Inventory and Materials Manager

Butler National Corporation; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Butler National Corporation in Tempe, Arizona seeks an Inventory & Materials Manager to oversee inventory control, materials management, and warehouse operations. The role requires strong leadership and expertise in inventory management within a manufacturing environment.

As the manager, you will supervise personnel, drive safety and improvement initiatives, and ensure inventory accuracy while collaborating closely with production, purchasing, and operations teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of inventory management experience in manufacturing.
• 2+ years of direct people management experience.
• Strong understanding of inventory control methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead all inventory control and materials management operations.
• Supervise inventory and warehouse personnel to drive accountability.
• Ensure inventory processes support production schedules.

Skills

Inventory management

Materials management

Warehouse management

Strong leadership

Problem-solving skills

Excel proficiency

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

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.

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.

The Inventory & Materials Manager will directly supervise inventory and warehouse personnel, driving a culture of accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. This individual 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 & 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 & 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 & 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.

Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of inventory management, materials management, warehouse management, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ 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.