Senior Material Controller

Senior Material Controller

Edwards Vacuum is seeking a Senior Material Controller to join our new facility in Buffalo, NY. This role is crucial for ensuring optimal material availability and inventory accuracy to support stable production and achieve customer service level targets. Join us as we prepare for production and contribute to an exciting journey in advanced manufacturing.

Your Role

The Senior Material Controller manages end-to-end material flow, including replenishment planning, inventory control, and physical inventory governance. You will drive continuous improvement in inventory optimization, data integrity, and lean material flow processes across the site.

What You Will Do

Inbound Material Flow & CSL Support

• Monitor parts replenishment status and ensure timely supply to production.
• Coordinate with planning, buying, intercompany teams, and warehouse to secure on-time material availability.
• Take immediate action on material shortages and drive corrective actions to protect production continuity.
• Ensure efficient inbound supply chain flow from supplier to point-of-use.

Inventory Planning & Optimization

• Maintain and optimize inventory parameters including safety stock, reorder points, and Kanban quantities.
• Support demand-driven adjustments to inventory strategy based on production volatility.
• Ensure inventory levels are balanced to support CSL while minimizing excess stock.

Perpetual Inventory & Physical Inventory Control

• Manage site perpetual inventory system to ensure accurate stock and WIP records.
• Lead cycle counting and physical inventory (PI) execution.
• Investigate inventory variances and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Replenishment & Kanban Management

• Manage replenishment systems for assembly, machining, and spare parts (Kanban and floor stock).
• Regularly review demand patterns and adjust Kanban sizing, bin quantities, and replenishment frequency.
• Ensure effective pull system execution to support production requirements.

Inventory Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for inventory accuracy and material availability.
• Analyze inventory trends, aging stock, and performance gaps.
• Identify and eliminate excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory through structured processes.

Data Integrity & ERP System Accuracy

• Ensure accurate material master data and inventory transactions in SAP or ERP systems.
• Resolve system discrepancies such as negative stock and incorrect postings.
• Audit material flow data and ensure compliance with standard processes.

Lean Material Flow & Process Optimization

• Collaborate with BPI and cross-functional teams to improve material flow efficiency.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives, including pull systems and Kanban expansion.
• Participate in process and system improvements to optimize warehouse and shopfloor operations.

Warehouse, Shopfloor Flow & Quality Compliance

• Ensure proper material movement, storage, and point-of-use delivery within warehouse and production areas.
• Maintain visibility of material flow across machining and assembly cells.
• Support inbound material quality control and collaborate on issue prevention and resolution.

To Succeed, You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–7+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial environment with focus on inventory control, material planning, and production support.
• Strong knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems, including BOM structure, inventory transactions, and replenishment processes.
• Experience with Kanban, JIT, and pull-based material replenishment systems.
• Solid understanding of inventory management principles including safety stock, reorder points, and cycle counting.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to analyze and report inventory and supply chain data.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills with ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Physical Demands

This role is generally sedentary, involving primarily desk-based tasks in a controlled indoor environment. The role requires sitting for approximately 60% of the time, occasional hand and finger dexterity for tasks like typing, and occasional movement of objects up to 20 pounds. Minimal bending, twisting, and reaching are involved. Work is performed in a moderate noise level environment with constant contact with others.

In Return, We Offer

• Culture of trust and accountability
• Lifelong learning and career growth
• Innovation powered by people
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits
• Health and well-being
• Annual Variable Compensation Bonus, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with Company Match, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Paid Floating Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, Training and Development, Parental Leave, Disability Benefits, Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Excellent working conditions and benefits.
• Part of the Atlas Copco Group with a wide-reaching internal job market.
• Work in a global, diverse and dynamic environment.
• Internal growth opportunities through training and development programs.
• Friendly, family-like atmosphere.
• Opportunity to be creative and promote your own ideas.
• Daily challenges and continuous learning.

Key skills/competency

• Inventory Management
• Material Planning
• Production Support
• SAP ERP Systems
• Kanban Systems
• Lean Manufacturing
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Data Integrity
• Continuous Improvement
• Process Optimization