Materials Department Lead Security Clearance

Position: Materials Department Lead with Security Clearance
At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth. Discover your future with us.

The Materials Department Lead is responsible for overseeing and strategically directing Areté's materials operations across all company locations. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will own the materials strategy for diverse defense and commercial programs, build and mentor a high-performing team, and directly influence company growth and operational excellence. This position offers broad strategic scope, rapid decision-making authority, and direct visibility to executive leadership.

This role supports mission-critical defense programs while driving materials excellence across multiple customers, product lines, and technologies. You will modernize systems, implement best practices, and shape the future of Areté's materials function. This position is based in our Tucson, AZ or Niwot, CO office and is a supervisory, exempt, full-time leadership position.

Primary Responsibilities:

* Lead, manage, and develop the Materials Department across all Areté locations, including materials planners, specialists, coordinators, and shipping/receiving

* Own end-to-end materials operations: planning, procurement coordination, inventory management, kitting, warehouse operations, and logistics

* Develop and execute strategic materials and supply chain plans aligned with company objectives and program requirements

* Establish and maintain materials management systems, policies, and procedures across defense and commercial operations

* Ensure compliance with DoD requirements, AS9100D / ISO 9001:2015, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, FAR, and applicable customer standards

* Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Procurement, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to ensure materials readiness and program success

* Implement and optimize MRP/ERP systems (Costpoint experience highly valued) to support production schedules and forecasting

* Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, cycle time reduction, cost optimization, and operational excellence

* Manage materials budgets and cost control; support Estimate at Completion (EAC) processes

* Serve as primary materials interface for customer engagements, audits, and program reviews

* Develop and track key performance metrics; provide regular status reporting to executive leadership

* Support both government and commercial customer programs with agility and responsiveness

* Build organizational capability: recruit, train, and develop materials talent; create career progression pathways

* Support response to supply chain disruptions and material shortages with effective mitigation strategies We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:
Health & Wellness:
* Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

* Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)

* Vision Reimbursement

* Fitness Reimbursement Financial:
* Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan

* Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

* Continuing Education Assistance

* Performance-based bonus opportunities Work-Life Balance:
* Flexible Scheduling

* Paid Time Off (PTO)

* Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave What We Value:
* Creativity and innovation in solving challenges

* Integrity and responsibility in all actions

* Collaboration across teams and specialties

* Responsiveness in fast-paced environments

* Passion for national security and excellence

* Leadership through influence and example Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):
* Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field

* 5+ years of progressive experience in materials, supply chain, or procurement operations

* 2+ years of leadership/management experience with…