Job Summary

The Inventory & Materials Manager is responsible for leading all inventory control, materials management, receiving, and warehouse operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role oversees the accurate receipt, storage, tracking, movement, and reporting of raw materials, components, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods, while ensuring inventory processes effectively support production schedules and customer delivery requirements.

This individual will directly supervise inventory and warehouse personnel, driving a culture of accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The Inventory & Materials Manager will partner closely with Production, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to optimize inventory levels, improve material flow, and maintain inventory accuracy across the organization.

Essential Functions

Inventory and Materials Management

• Manage all inventory control functions for raw materials, components, consumables, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
• Maintain accurate inventory records within the company’s ERP/MRP system.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve inventory control procedures and best practices.
• Conduct and oversee cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation activities.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions to improve inventory accuracy.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with Purchasing and Production teams to ensure adequate material availability.
• Analyze inventory trends, shortages, excess inventory, and turnover rates to support business decisions.
• Ensure timely and accurate receiving, stocking, issuing, and shipping transactions.
• Coordinate material movement between warehouse, production, and shipping functions.
• Establish inventory performance metrics and provide regular reporting to leadership.
• Identify opportunities to reduce inventory carrying costs while maintaining operational requirements.
• Support production planning and scheduling through effective inventory management and material availability.
• Ensure proper storage, organization, handling, and security of inventory assets.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, quality standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, coach, develop, and manage inventory, warehouse, receiving, and materials personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Monitor team performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Develop staffing plans and schedules to support operational and production requirements.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, and performance management activities.
• Train employees on inventory procedures, ERP system utilization, safety protocols, and company policies.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Promote strong communication and collaboration across departments.
• Lead departmental meetings and communicate organizational priorities and operational objectives.

Continuous Improvement and Operations

• Lead initiatives focused on improving inventory accuracy, warehouse organization, and material flow.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Utilize inventory and operational data to drive decision-making and performance improvements.
• Support operational excellence initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve material, inventory, and production-related challenges.
• Assist with internal and external audits related to inventory control and materials management.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• 5 or more years of inventory management, materials management, warehouse management, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• 2 or more years of direct people management experience.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems for inventory management and reporting.
• Strong understanding of inventory control methodologies, cycle counting programs, and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and inventory reporting tools.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and make informed operational decisions.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within aerospace, defense, firearms, precision manufacturing, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• APICS certifications such as CPIM or CSCP.
• Experience supporting inventory audits and compliance initiatives.
• Experience managing serialized inventory and controlled materials.

About Butler National Corporation

Butler National Corporation is a diversified aerospace and defense company providing specialized products and services supporting defense, aviation, and government programs. Butler National Corporation specializes in manufacturing gun control equipment, gun simulators and related custom test equipment, rapid integration of weapon-control systems, and ruggedized weapon/instrument cabling solutions.