Materials Manager

POET; Rives Township (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Tuition reimbursement

401K with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

POET in Obion, TN seeks a Materials Manager to oversee daily operations of the grain and ethanol co-products area, ensuring accurate loading, transfer, and inventory control while upholding USDA and OSHA standards.

You will supervise a team of Material Handlers, coordinate with storage tanks, rail cars, and trucks, and maintain safe, efficient operations. The role demands leadership, safety focus, and hands-on equipment experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 1-3 years supervisory experience in grain handling operations preferred.
• Experience with rail car loading, truck loading/unloading, and USDA specifications.
• Knowledge of inventory management and safe grain handling.
• DOT certification preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new programs.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and assist with daily loading and unloading of grain and ethanol co-products.
• Supervise ethanol transfers to storage tanks, trucks, and rail cars meeting FRA standards.
• Establish and maintain inventory tracking systems and report to management.
• Ensure plant policies & safety compliance, including USDA/OSHA requirements.
• Operate front-end loader or tele-handler to assist in loading.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members for operational goals.
• Maintain sanitation and cleanliness of the grains building and tracks.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Rail car loading knowledge

Grain handling knowledge

Inventory management

Safe grain handling

DOT certification

Microsoft Office Suite

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Heavy machinery operation

HAZMAT paperwork familiarity

Job description

ABOUT POETAt 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 & PERKSEligible 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 contributionCompetitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions401K with company matchPaid Parental LeaveTuition reimbursementAttractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locationsSafety and cold weather gear reimbursementsDiscounted home and auto insuranceAll POET Team Members enjoyA multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually'Family-first' cultureOnsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursementsJOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIESThe 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. Responsibilities include: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 manages team by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training team members. Leadership responsibilities also include delegation, coaching and performance management and career development to effectively execute departmental strategies and support company objectives.Manage the condition of equipment in the grains department and coordinate with other departments to ensure it is operational and safe to use.Manage the sanitation and cleanliness of the grains building, areas around the grains building, the railroad tracks and tank farm.Delegate responsibility and expect accountability among team members by fostering a spirit of teamwork.Engage department team members by providing recognition.Monitor the process of DDGS storage, ethanol storage, loading and logistics.Maintain records and submit all required reports accurately and in a timely manner.Work in an honest and ethical manner; maintain confidentiality on all business related matters.Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere.Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.Effectively lead the team by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training team members. Leadership responsibilities also include delegating, coaching, managing performance and career development to effectively execute departmental strategies and support company objectives.Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLSHigh 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 of learning new programs.A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVEHigh level of personal integrityInterpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organizationDemonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skillsExcellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.You communicate effectively in writing and in person.You have the ability to understand technical and day to day operation of a bioprocessing facility.Ability to embrace and promote changeInnovative mindsetAbility to think objectivelySelf-awareness in the face of uncertaintyAbility to work in a team environmentPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENTThis role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:Frequently:Climb a step ladder and/or stairsWalk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfacesReach forward, backward, and overhead to fill railcarsReach at arm’s length to gather samplesBe in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positionsUse coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbsBend while standingClimb in & out of Powered Industrial VehiclesOccasionally:Grip with a force of 40lbs to prep rail carsKneel and crouch and pull tools with a force of up to 95lbsCarry up 40lbs, sometimes up stairs, with or without assistancePull with a force of up to 120lbs, with or without assistanceBend forward to fill railcarsWearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, self-contained breathing system, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors.Be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): various hand tools, skid loader, scoop shovels, pipe wrenches, impact wrench, air hose, and shuttle wagon. Must also be able to operate machinery such as a payloader and Trackmobile for long periods of timeDue to the physical and safety-sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.CULTURE IS KING AT POETWe’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIESAt POET we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.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.