Materials Coordinator

KBI Biopharma; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

KBI Biopharma in Durham, North Carolina, is seeking a Material Coordinator to handle the complex flow of materials essential for pharmaceutical operations. This position involves monitoring inventory and ensuring full adherence to safety standards while coordinating various warehouse activities.

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience in warehouse operations, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety and quality. This role will contribute to improved efficiencies and operational excellence within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in warehousing, shipping, receiving, and inventory control.
• Understanding of chemical handling and compliance with DOT requirements.
• Ability to lift 25–50 pounds and push heavy drums.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate timely material availability and mentor junior staff.
• Count and inspect all materials entering the warehouse.
• Ensure compliance with GMP standards and safety protocols.

Skills

Warehouse operations knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems (ASCTrac & SAP IM/EWM)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Material Coordinator oversees the end-to-end movement, storage, and distribution of materials, tools, equipment, and products to support operational excellence. This role is responsible for coordinating daily material flow activities—including receiving, storing, loading/unloading, sorting, segregating, issuing, picking, packing, and shipping—while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with safety standards. The role combines working knowledge of ERP systems (ASCTrac & SAP IM/EWM) with hands‑on understanding of pharmaceutical warehouse operations to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient execution of system transactions. The Material Coordinator provides organization of material handling operations, monitors inventory levels, and ensures all necessary preparations for inventory counts are completed. The role requires strict adherence to safety requirements for hand and power tool operation, safe transport of materials, and proper housekeeping within warehouse and work areas. This position plays a key role in supporting multiple departments by ensuring timely material availability, mentoring junior staff, and driving process improvements to maintain high standards of accuracy, orderliness, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Verify, pick‑up, and kit requested materials from the warehouse for manufacturing operations. Coordinate timely material availability, monitor usage trends, and mentor junior staff on best practices to ensure operational efficiency.
• Count, inspect, and safeguard all material entering the warehouse. Prepare necessary documentation, accurately record receipts in the computerized inventory system, and immediately report and document any damaged or discrepant goods to the applicable buyer.
• Complete all required documentation and ensure compliance with GMP standards. Maintain accuracy in cleaning procedures, aseptic processing techniques, and safety protocols while coaching team members to uphold quality standards.
• Strictly adhere to safety and compliance requirements. Promote a culture of safety through consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to safe material‑handling practices, and proactive identification of potential hazards to protect both self and team members.
• Interface with other plant personnel in a professional and collaborative manner. Serve as a point of contact for material flow‑related inquiries and provide guidance to resolve issues effectively.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, support special projects, and provide training and backup coverage for warehouse and materials functions.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• High School diploma or equivalent along with two years of experience in warehousing, shipping, receiving, and computerized inventory control, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Candidates should be knowledgeable in all facets of warehouse operations, including receiving, housekeeping, tagging of capital items, location management, shipping processes, LTL trucking, FedEx/Airborne and UPS services, purchasing interface, packaging, and problem resolution.
• A strong understanding of chemical handling, proper use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and compliance with DOT requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials in a high‑volume manufacturing environment is required.
• The role demands excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, proficiency with computerized inventory systems and Microsoft Office applications, and a demonstrated commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Language Ability: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, verbal as well as written, including listening. Ability to clearly articulate business priorities to all company employees when and if required.
• Reasoning Ability: Excellent analytical skills in support of problem solving / troubleshooting.
• Math Ability: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 25–50 pounds and push 200‑lb drums on dollies into the manufacturing area.
• Standing for more than 2–8 hours is required along with the ability to carry materials and place them on transfer carts for movement.
• Computer skills: Contact management, database software, e‑mail, general ledger, internet software, inventory, manufacturing software, order processing, spreadsheets, word processing.
• Equipment use: Computer, telephone, copy, and handheld warehouse scanners and tablets.

Working Conditions

• Strength: Standing, working in warehouse, stockroom, or hazmat receipts, stowing, deliveries.
• Walking time: Walk to meetings or other offices.
• Sitting: Computer work, e‑mail communications.
• Lifting 80 lbs. incoming materials; carrying 80 lbs.; delivery/storage of materials; pushing 100+ lbs. equipment movement; pulling 100+ lbs. equipment movement.
• Climbing, balancing.

About KBI

KBI Biopharma, Inc., a JSR Life Sciences company, is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) providing fully integrated and accelerated drug development and biologics manufacturing services to life science companies. KBI supports its 500+ customers in advancing more than 160 drug candidates from preclinical and clinical stages to market, including the manufacture of ten commercial products. Recognized for quality manufacturing, KBI delivers robust process development and cGMP manufacturing services across its six global locations in the USA and Europe. For more information, visit www.kbibiopharma.com.

KBI is a proud EEO/AA employer dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe that innovation thrives in an environment where all voices are heard and valued. That's why we actively seek individuals from all backgrounds—regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status—and strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our team.

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.