Lead Materials Specialist

Wabtec•Erie, PA

About The Position

The Lead Materials Specialist provides materials management expertise to the operations team, maintaining inventory accuracy, work order consumption, and direct-material ordering. The role uses manufacturing and materials experience to solve problems, promote process adherence, and develop and execute objectives for self and others, supporting short-term and some long-term business goals. The specialist works with fulfillment and planning teams to anticipate shortages, manages kitting and lineside material for multiple production lines, and leads hourly associates responsible for receiving, stocking, kitting, and replenishment. The role also supports inventory and transaction accuracy, material disposition, physical inventory, regulatory compliance, and plantwide process-improvement projects. It involves daily communication and collaboration with shop teams and stakeholders, as well as occasional presentations of materials metrics and project improvements to senior and executive leadership. The position may require long hours to address time-critical issues.

Requirements

At least two current years of experience in a production or materials role in the manufacturing industry.
Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes.
Strategic and creative thinking to analyze issues and develop solutions.
Basic shop math skills across units of measure, and ability to read and use gauges and measuring instruments.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence, motivate, coach, and drive accountability.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work long hours when needed to ensure the job gets done.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or technical degree.
Understanding of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing concepts, and production schedules.
Experience with ERP systems; Oracle is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with fulfillment and planning teams to forecast and prevent part shortages, escalate issues, and communicate with operations teams.
Manage internal kitting and lineside direct-material supply for multiple production lines.
Ensure direct materials are presented to production through kits and lineside bins.
Lead hourly associates responsible for receiving, stocking, kitting, and material replenishment.
Collaborate with other material specialists to develop an optimal plan for every part.
Use Oracle ERP and MES software to manage materials and related system requirements.
Maintain inventory and transaction accuracy as material requirements change for modernization and new-build locomotive programs.
Resolve discrepancies and non-conforming material in a timely manner.
Achieve a high level of accuracy during annual physical inventory.
Provide clear communication and technical materials guidance to management and Wabtec employees.
Collaborate cross-functionally to support customer success within the shop.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, OSHA work practices, and industry- and site-specific work rules.
Own and lead plantwide materials process-improvement projects in addition to lineside and kitting responsibilities.
Take a leadership role in the department and assist with improving other shop operations functions as needed.
Occasionally report on and present materials metrics and project improvements to senior and executive leadership.
Respond quickly and effectively to urgent issues and work long hours when needed to complete the job.