Materials Department Lead

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.Discover your future with us.The Materials Department Lead is responsible for overseeing and strategically directing Areté's materials operations across all company locations. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will own the materials strategy for diverse defense and commercial programs, build and mentor a high-performing team, and directly influence company growth and operational excellence. This position offers broad strategic scope, rapid decision-making authority, and direct visibility to executive leadership.This role supports mission-critical defense programs while driving materials excellence across multiple customers, product lines, and technologies. You will modernize systems, implement best practices, and shape the future of Areté's materials function. This position is based in our Tucson, AZ or Niwot, CO office and is a supervisory, exempt, full-time leadership position.Primary Responsibilities:Lead, manage, and develop the Materials Department across all Areté locations, including materials planners, specialists, coordinators, and shipping/receivingOwn end-to-end materials operations: planning, procurement coordination, inventory management, kitting, warehouse operations, and logisticsDevelop and execute strategic materials and supply chain plans aligned with company objectives and program requirementsEstablish and maintain materials management systems, policies, and procedures across defense and commercial operationsEnsure compliance with DoD requirements, AS9100D / ISO 9001:2015, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, FAR, and applicable customer standardsPartner cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Procurement, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to ensure materials readiness and program successImplement and optimize MRP/ERP systems (Costpoint experience highly valued) to support production schedules and forecastingLead continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, cycle time reduction, cost optimization, and operational excellenceManage materials budgets and cost control; support Estimate at Completion (EAC) processesServe as primary materials interface for customer engagements, audits, and program reviewsDevelop and track key performance metrics; provide regular status reporting to executive leadershipSupport both government and commercial customer programs with agility and responsivenessBuild organizational capability: recruit, train, and develop materials talent; create career progression pathwaysSupport response to supply chain disruptions and material shortages with effective mitigation strategiesWe have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:Health & Wellness:Medical, Dental & Vision InsuranceLife and Long-Term Disability (LTD)Vision ReimbursementFitness ReimbursementFinancial:Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement planCompany-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Continuing Education AssistancePerformance-based bonus opportunitiesWork-Life Balance:Flexible SchedulingPaid Time Off (PTO)Paid Parental and Bereavement LeaveWhat We Value:Creativity and innovation in solving challengesIntegrity and responsibility in all actionsCollaboration across teams and specialtiesResponsiveness in fast-paced environmentsPassion for national security and excellenceLeadership through influence and exampleExperiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field5+ years of progressive experience in materials, supply chain, or procurement operations2+ years of leadership/management experience with demonstrated ability to build and develop high-performing teamsProven experience in defense contractor or aerospace manufacturing environmentsExperience with MRP/ERP systems (Costpoint, Oracle, SAP, or similar)Demonstrated expertise in materials planning, inventory management, and warehouse operationsThorough knowledge of ITAR/EAR compliance requirements (universal requirement for all materials operations)Strong understanding of DoD contracting requirements, GFE handling, FAR/DFARS, and military specificationsStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence and collaborate across all levelsActive Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain clearanceU.S. citizenship requiredNice to Have (Preferred Skills):Master's degree in relevant fieldActive Top Secret clearanceProject Management Professional (PMP) or APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP)Track record of successfully implementing or scaling materials management systemsKnowledge of laser systems, electro-optics, or advanced sensor technologiesExperience with international shipments and coordination with customs brokers verifying import/export documentation and ensuring compliance with customs regulations and HTS classificationExperience with advanced supply chain planning tools and analyticsExperience in fast-growth or entrepreneurial defense contractor environmentsProven ability to drive organizational change and process improvement (Lean, Six Sigma)Experience managing materials operations across multiple facilities/locationsExperience supporting both government and commercial customersStrong understanding of cost accounting and earned value management principlesTravel: ~25% to support operations in Tucson, AZ; Niwot, CO; and Healdsburg, CA along with occasional customer/supplier support locationsThe annual salary range for this role is $105,000 to $135,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Total compensation includes competitive base salary, performance bonuses, ESOP contributions, and comprehensive benefits.