Shift Material Handling Manager — Lead Ops & Improvement

Rivian; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian, based in Normal, IL, is seeking a Director-level Material Handling role to direct and optimize shift-level operations supporting production and warehousing. The role reports to the Senior Manager of Material Handling and requires strong leadership to guide multiple teams and ensure safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will coordinate cross-functional activities, drive process improvements, and mentor group leaders.

Qualifications

• Experience with Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) software such as SAP.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong leadership and ability to manage multiple teams.
• Ability to set tasks, meet deadlines, and stay within budget.
• Creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.
• College degree preferred; supervisory experience is valued.
• 3 years of supervisory experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs and optimizes shift-level material handling operations to support production and warehousing.
• Lead and mentor Material Handling Group Leaders; ensure safety, training, attendance, and overtime controls.
• Coordinate between shifts and departments to implement best practices and sustain performance.
• Evaluate shift quality, performance, and adherence to continuous improvement requirements.
• Identify bottlenecks in upstream processes and collaborate on process improvements.
• Support pilot programs and model change activities.
• Ensure compliance with laws, policies, and RMS standards.
• Monitor metrics and teach RMS Quality Network principles.
• Manage cross-functional changes with Material Handling and maintain 5S housekeeping.
• Visit customer locations during milestones to support teams.
• Configure and develop reporting for direct reports, provide quarterly feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Task management

Communication

Education

College degree preferred

Tools

SAP / MRP software

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Rivian, based in Normal, IL, is seeking a Director-level Material Handling role to direct and optimize shift-level operations supporting production and warehousing. The role reports to the Senior Manager of Material Handling and requires strong leadership to guide multiple teams and ensure safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will coordinate cross-functional activities, drive process improvements, and mentor group leaders.