Section Chief Storehouses

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Section Chief, Storehouses to oversee material planning, inventory control, and procurement across multiple storehouses. You will guide staff, ensure accurate requisitioning and issuing of materials, and align purchasing strategies with department goals.

The role requires 5+ years in procurement or materials management, supervisory experience, and strong knowledge of ERP systems and warehouse operations. Requires travel within/outside Metra’s 6-county region and flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Materials Management, Industrial Distribution OR in lieu of degree, four years in materials management.
• Five (5) years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or materials management.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience including day-to-day management, budgeting, hiring, discipline.
• Knowledge of inventory controls and public purchasing methods.
• Familiar with warehouse layouts, safety rules, and warehouse management systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365; ERP systems experience like D365.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical skills to identify trends and manage replenishment.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and supervision to staff at all storehouse locations and manage staffing levels.
• Oversee material planning activities and inventory accountability across storehouses.
• Coordinate requisitioning, receiving, issuing, and releasing of materials and services.
• Manage procurement and inventory control planning, annual physical inventory.
• Ensure efficient inventory controls and alignment with purchasing strategies.
• Approve time off and staffing decisions; conduct performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
• Assist in hiring, termination procedures, and staff training.

Skills

Inventory management

Team supervision

Vendor relations

Budgeting

Communication

Analytical skills

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related

4 years in materials management as substitute experience

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Word/Excel)

ERP systems such as D365 or similar

Job description

Salary Range $89,287.00 - $133,931.00

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Asset Management and Supply Chain Operation Division consists of all Storehouse and Warehouse Operations, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), and Transit Asset Management (TAM). The purpose of the department is to service various customers within Metra. Managing the continuous supply of inventory materials and services required to support Engineering, Mechanical and Transit Operations. The department operates Metra's six storehouses. Additionally, the department manages the agency's Transit Asset Management (TAM) program and the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems.

Reporting directly to the Director, Materials & Stores, the Section Chief, Storehouses will be responsible for overseeing material planning activities for all storehouses and provide accountability for inventory that includes requisitioning, receiving, releasing, issuing of materials, and services for Mechanical, Engineering, and Transportation operations.

The primary duties include: Provide guidance and supervision to staff at all storehouse locations to ensure department goals and objectives are met; maintain appropriate staff levels in all locations; provide direction on the identification and resolution of inventory balance errors; and monitor performance.

Utilize cost efficient material controls practices to monitor and forecast inventory investments for all storehouses; and assist with the establishment and update of guidelines for stock versus non-stock decisions.

Provide oversight and accountability for inventory and material planning activities; ensure requisitioning, releasing of materials, and services are appropriately processed; and coordinate the identification, documentation, and sale of obsolete and scrap materials.

Coordinate and manage the procurement and inventory control planning activities including annual physical inventory; and establish and maintain control parameters, manage proper inventory levels, replenishment methods, reorder points, quantities, and classifications.

Ensure maximum efficiency and compatibility between inventory control and purchasing strategies; and inventory information is maintained, processed, and updated in appropriate electronic systems.

Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures.

Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.

Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Materials Management, Industrial Distribution OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in materials management.
2. In addition to #1, five (5) years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or materials management.
3. Three (3) years of supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidelines and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Considerable knowledge of inventory, inventory controls, and public purchasing methods.
5. Considerable knowledge of warehouse layout, procedures, and safety rules.
6. Considerable knowledge of warehouse management systems to help enhance operational efficiency and overall productivity.
7. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel); familiar with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as D365 or similar.
8. Strong written and verbal communications and interpersonal skills to interact collaboratively with employees at all levels to articulate storehouse and agency issues and maintain effective working relationships.
9. Strong organization and analytical skills with attention to detail to identify trends in seasonal demands, ordering patterns to adjust replenishment needs, and meet schedules and deadlines.
10. Ability to lead and supervise employees with varying duties and responsibilities related to inventory management in a team or individually.
11. Ability to effectively prioritize and delegate work.
12. Ability to analyze cause and effect relationships, clarify input from different sources, and reach appropriate decisions in a timely manner.
13. Ability to exercise discretion, good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
14. Must posses and maintain a current valid driver's license.
15. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
16. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
17. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred

1. Experience in the railroad or transportation industry.
2. Experience working in a union environment with labor relations and collective bargaining agreements.
3. Certified Production Inventory Manager (C.P.I.M.).
4. Incident Command Certification.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.