AI-Driven Material Flow & Automation Manager

Our client is seeking an experienced Material Flow Engineering Manager for a 1-year contract leadership role. The candidate will be responsible for designing, optimizing, and executing the end-to-end material supply chain, from external suppliers directly to the assembly line. The primary goal is to ensure material availability to meet high-volume production targets while maintaining efficiency and safety. This role requires a technical leader capable of navigating ambiguity, driving cross-functional strategy, and implementing "first-principles" engineering solutions across the global footprint.

About the Role

Location:

Normal, IL

Schedule:

8-5

Travel:
Some travel

Responsibilities

• Advanced Automation and AI Strategy:
• Lead automation of supply chain logistics and high-impact projects that bridge the gap between physical logistics and digital intelligence.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence and advanced automation to predict bottlenecks before they happen and optimize throughput in real-time.
• Direct the deployment and integration of material handling automation, including Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and conveyor systems.
• Lead the development, modeling, and analysis of material flow strategies (e.g., sequencing, batching, storage) to achieve optimal cost, space utilization, and throughput.
• Develop models to analyze the cost, throughput, and space factors for part sequencing, material batching, intermediate storage locations, and other material flow strategies.
• Oversee the optimization and maintenance of cross-functional databases to ensure data integrity for material tracking and inventory control.
• Collaborate with IT to architect and implement digital systems tailored to support evolving operational requirements.
• Configure control cycles and logic for FLP and PACE systems to automate material replenishment triggers. (Rivian software)
• Strategize IT hardware requirements and oversee the deployment of technology interfaces across the production floor.
• Oversee the creation of efficient, Lean, and safe factory layouts and material flow plans, covering all processes from receiving through delivery to the production line.
• Design high-efficiency warehouse layouts, including kitting cells, AGV pathways, and optimized material supply routes.
• Specify and integrate material handling assets, including tuggers, AGVs, forklift and custom-engineered racking systems.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering (MEs) to engineer material delivery solutions (dollies, lift tables, GFRs) that align with specific packaging ergonomics.
• Engage with the Continuous Improvement (CI) team to prototype innovative equipment and optimize process cycle times.
• Manage cross-functional project teams, vendor relationships (LLP), and project timelines to successfully deliver on safety, quality, and production metrics.
• Conduct data-driven workload analysis to determine precise Headcount (HC) requirements and labor allocation.
• Lead formal 'buy-off' procedures with Operations to ensure new processes meet safety, ergonomics, and throughput standards.
• Drive project momentum through weekly status reporting, cross-functional alignment meetings, and proactive bottleneck escalation.
• Author comprehensive Work Instructions (SOPs) and Job Cards to standardize tasks and minimize process variation.
• Provide subject matter expertise during the conceptual phases of new projects to ensure 'Design for Logistics' principles are applied.

Qualifications

• Experience:
  
  preferably of 5 to 10 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing OEMs, logistics, or supply chain engineering, with at least 5 years in a formal supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Required Skills

• 2+ years’ experience with data-based development of end-to-end supply chain, logistics, and/or material flow processes for high volume, high complexity production or logistics facilities.
• Demonstrated skill in CAD software (AutoCAD) for layout planning, including 2+ years’ experience.
• Strong capability in data analysis tools (Excel/Google Sheets) and analytical ability to break down complex problems and data sets to derive meaningful, actionable results.
• Hands-on experience with key manufacturing and logistics systems, such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Core
  
  Skills:
  
  Exceptional analytical abilities, proven leadership qualities, and strong communication skills necessary to navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment characterized by ambiguity.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with Yard Management Systems (YMS).
• Experience with modeling or simulation software (Flexsim, Any Logic, etc.) and data visualization tools (MS PowerBI).
• Ability to understand Engineering and Design direction and provide focused supply-chain solutions accordingly.