Logistics Operations Manager

Job Overview

As our Logistics Operations Manager, you will be the architect of our Materials Operations. This pivotal role will be responsible for developing and executing a world-class logistics strategy, with a specific focus on optimizing material flow from our suppliers to the production line and beyond. This is a hands-on role that requires a strategic mindset, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a startup environment where you will be building processes from the ground up.

What You’ll Do:

• Day-to-Day Logistics Operations: Oversee and manage daily logistics operations including receiving, putaway, kitting, sequencing, live delivery, truck preparation, and shipping. Implement specific, measurable KPIs to track performance and identify areas requiring leadership intervention. Establish regular reporting cadence and visual dashboards to monitor these KPIs and ensure accountability.
• Material Flow Optimization: Design, implement, and continuously improve the end-to-end material flow process, from inbound receiving and warehousing to lineside delivery and outbound shipping.
• Warehouse and Inventory Management: Manage, maintain, and optimize a robust warehouse management system (WMS) to ensure accurate inventory control, efficient space utilization, and timely preparation of parts and deliveries).
• Packaging and Material Handling:.Collaborate with packaging engineers to define, validate, and improve packaging standards, ensuring enhanced safety, ergonomics, and efficient line delivery for all parts, especially sensitive and high-value EV components.
• Inventory control: Design and execute inventory control processes to ensure accuracy, minimize discrepancies, and optimize stock levels, aligning with production demands and logistics efficiency..
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all logistics activities comply with relevant transportation regulations, including those pertaining to hazardous materials and dangerous goods (DG), which are critical in the EV industry, as well as OSHA standards for workplace safety. Additionally, ensure adherence to California state labor laws regarding the management of hourly employees, including wage and hour regulations, meal and rest breaks, and fair scheduling practices.
• Team Leadership & people development: Build and mentor a high-performing logistics department, fostering a culture where individual and collective responsibility is paramount. Implement strategies for professional development within the team, empowering each member to excel in their roles. Establish clear performance metrics and accountability frameworks, promoting transparency and enabling data-driven decision-making. Regularly evaluate logistics strategies to adapt to changing market demands and organizational goals. Cultivate open communication channels within the department and across the organization, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with manufacturing, production control, engineering, and finance teams to ensure seamless integration of logistics operations with the overall production system.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience in logistics and supply chain management, with a significant focus on material flow in a manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience working in the automotive, manufacturing, or technology industries with high volume is highly preferred; experience with an EV manufacturer is a significant plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing principles and their application to logistics and material flow (e.g., Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, 5S).
• Proven experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.Nestsuite experience is a significant plus.
• Strong understanding of kitting, sequencing, warehousing, line delivery, kanban, pull system is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of regulations related to the transportation of goods, including experience with hazardous materials and lithium-ion battery shipping regulations is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.