Materials Manager

POET; Obion (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Paid time off and holidays (PTO)

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Wellness program

Onsite fitness centers

Job summary

POET in Obion, TN seeks a Materials Manager to oversee the commodity area, including ethanol, corn oil, wet cake and DDGS storage, loading, inventory control, and safety compliance. This is an on-site role located in Obion, TN.

The Materials Manager will supervise team members, ensure USDA/OSHA compliance, and coordinate with other departments to maintain safe, efficient operations and accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years supervisory experience in grain handling operations or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of rail car loading, truck loading/unloading, USDA specs, inventory management, and safe grain handling preferred.
• Experience with heavy machinery operation (e.g., skid loaders) preferred.
• DOT certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily loading and unloading of grain and ethanol co-products.
• Oversee ethanol transfers to storage tanks, trucks, and rail cars per FRA standards.
• Maintain inventory tracking systems acceptable to management and regulators.
• Communicate commodity operations status to the Commodity Manager daily.
• Attend weekly/monthly meetings and complete required reports.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Regulatory knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

Benefits & Perks

Eligible Team Members may receive $ competitive bonus opportunities – up to six bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share). Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program. Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution. Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions. 401K with company match. Paid parental leave. Tuition reimbursement. Attractive relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations. Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements. Discounted home and auto insurance. All POET Team Members enjoy a multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually. Family‑first culture. Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Materials Manager is responsible for supervising daily operations of the commodity area, including ethanol, corn oil, wet cake and dried distillers grains (DDGS) storage, loading, inventory control measures and safety compliance and sanitation. Team members in this position manage commodity operations and may provide direct supervision to the Material Handlers in their daily operations. The Materials Manager ensures POET meets and maintains all requirements of the USDA, OSHA and plant policies and procedures pertaining to the commodities department to include HAZMAT loading and proper preparation of HAZMAT paperwork. This is an on‑site role located in Obion, TN.

• Supervise and assist with daily loading and unloading of grain and ethanol co-products.
• Supervise and assist with ethanol transfers to storage tanks, trucks and rail cars meeting FRA standards.
• Establish and maintain inventory tracking systems that are acceptable to management and any regulatory agencies.
• Communicate commodity operations status to the Commodity Manager on a daily basis.
• Attend all weekly/monthly meetings and complete required reports in a timely manner.
• Ensure work areas are clean and organized per USDA and OSHA requirements.
• Identify and assist with maintenance of equipment.
• Ensure all plant policies pertaining to the commodities department are met.
• Operate a front‑end loader or tele‑handler to assist in DDG or wet cake loading.
• Effectively manage team by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training team members.
• Perform leadership responsibilities including delegation, coaching and performance management and career development.
• Manage the condition of equipment and coordinate with other departments to ensure it is operational and safe.
• Manage the sanitation and cleanliness of the grains building area, railroad tracks and tank farm.
• Delegate responsibilities and foster teamwork and accountability.
• Monitor DDGS storage, ethanol storage, loading and logistics.
• Maintain records and submit all required reports accurately and timely.
• Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.

Qualifications & Skills

High school diploma or equivalent required. 1–3 years supervisory experience in grain handling operations or related field preferred. Knowledge of rail car loading, truck loading/unloading, grading grain to USDA specifications, weighing, inventory management and safe grain handling experience preferred. Experience and knowledge in the operation of heavy machinery, skid loaders or other associated heavy loading or material‑moving equipment preferred. DOT certification preferred. Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to understand technical and day‑to‑day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset.
• Ability to think objectively.
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This role has physical requirements such as climbing step ladder or stairs, walking over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces, reaching, bending, and lifting up to 120lbs. Work may involve extreme heights (approximately 150ft), confined spaces, and temperatures from –20 to +100°F, both indoors and outdoors.

• Frequently: climb a step ladder and/or stairs.
• Walk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven or wet/slick surfaces.
• Reach forward, backward, and overhead to fill railcars.
• Reach at arm‑length to gather samples.
• Use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbs.
• Bend while standing.
• Climb in & out of Powered Industrial Vehicles.

• Occasionally: grip with a force of 40lbs to prep rail cars.
• Kneel and crouch and pull tools with a force of up to 95lbs.
• Carry up 40lbs, sometimes up stairs.
• Pull with a force of up to 120lbs.
• Bend forward to fill railcars.
• Wear PPE such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, self‑contained breathing system, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.

Equal Employment Opportunity

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.