Materials Planning and Distribution Lead

• Location 1701 S Newberry Access Rd,North Platte, NE, 69101,United States
• Employee Type Hourly Full-Time

Materials Planning and Distribution Lead

Position Title: Materials Planning and Distribution Lead
Department: Packaging / Warehouse Operations
Reports To: Purchasing Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Schedule: Sunday Night through Thursday Night (C Shift) 3 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Sustainable Beef is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Materials Planning and Distribution Lead to oversee inventory management, staging, and distribution of packaging materials required to support daily production operations.

Working overnight, this position reviews production make sheets and schedules, determines material requirements for the upcoming production day and ensures all required materials are staged and delivered prior to startup. This role serves as the primary point of contact for packaging material availability and is responsible for maintaining inventory levels that support uninterrupted production.

The ideal candidate will possess strong inventory management skills, purchasing experience, the ability to interpret production schedules, and experience operating powered industrial trucks (PIT) in a manufacturing environment.

• Review daily production make sheets and schedules to determine packaging material requirements for upcoming production.
• Calculate packaging needs based on production volumes, product specifications, and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for all packaging materials.
• Conduct cycle counts and inventory audits to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Monitor inventory trends and usage rates to identify potential shortages or excess inventory.
• Establish and maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production demands.

• Purchase packaging materials required to support production operations.
• Create and submit purchase requisitions in accordance with company procedures.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Monit or lead times and proactively order materials and communicate with buyers to prevent production interruptions.
• Communicate material shortages, delays, or supply concerns to management.
• Assist in evaluating packaging suppliers and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

• Stage packaging materials required for production startup each morning.
• Deliver materials to designated production departments and work areas.
• Verify that all required materials are available and properly staged before production begins.
• Maintain organized storage areas and ensure materials are properly labeled and stored.
• Coordinate material movements to support efficient production flow.

• Safely operate forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (PIT) to move, stage, and distribute materials.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns.
• Maintain PIT certification and comply with all operating procedures.
• Follow all food safety, quality assurance, safety, and company policies.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with housekeeping standards.

• Serve as the primary resource for packaging material inventory, availability, and distribution on C Shift.
• Provide direction and support regarding packaging material needs and priorities.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Warehouse, Purchasing, and Management teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory control, material flow, and operational efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory management and material handling.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Three or more years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, materials management, purchasing, or manufacturing required.
• Experience operating forklifts or other powered industrial trucks required.
• Experience with inventory management systems, ERP systems, or purchasing systems preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or meat processing preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret production make sheets, schedules, and packaging specifications.
• Knowledge of inventory control and materials management principles.
• Ability to calculate material requirements based on production schedules.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Strong attention to detail and inventory accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and inventory management software.
• Ability to identify and resolve inventory and material availability issues proactively.

• Ability to stand and walk for…