Materials Director: Defense Programs & Growth

Areté; Niwot (CO); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LTD

Vision Reimbursement

Fitness Reimbursement

401(k) match

ESOP

Education Assistance

Bonus opportunities

Flexible scheduling

PTO

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Job summary

Areté is seeking a Materials Department Lead to oversee materials operations across all locations, build a high-performing team, and influence growth. You will direct planning, procurement, warehousing, and logistics while ensuring compliance with DoD requirements and AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 standards.

The role requires experience in defense programs, strong MRP/ERP skills (Costpoint/Oracle/SAP), and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years progressive experience in materials, supply chain, or procurement operations.
• 2+ years leadership/management experience building high-performing teams.
• Defense contractor or aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems (Costpoint, Oracle, SAP, or similar).
• Knowledge of ITAR/EAR compliance and DoD contracting requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain/maintain clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the Materials Department across all locations.
• Own end-to-end materials operations: planning, procurement, inventory, warehousing, and logistics.
• Develop and execute strategic materials and supply chain plans.
• Establish materials management systems, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure DoD, DFARS, FAR and customer standards compliance.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, procurement, quality, and finance.
• Implement and optimize MRP/ERP systems (Costpoint preferred).
• Lead continuous improvement for inventory accuracy and cycle time.
• Manage materials budgets and EAC processes.
• Interface with customers during audits and program reviews.
• Develop KPIs and report to executive leadership.
• Support government and commercial programs with agility.
• Build talent; create career progression.

Skills

Leadership

Materials planning

Inventory management

MRP/ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management

Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

Costpoint

Oracle

SAP

Job description

Areté is seeking a Materials Department Lead to oversee materials operations across all locations, build a high-performing team, and influence growth. You will direct planning, procurement, warehousing, and logistics while ensuring compliance with DoD requirements and AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 standards.

The role requires experience in defense programs, strong MRP/ERP skills (Costpoint/Oracle/SAP), and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.