Lab Materials Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Forge Your Future with Us:

At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives. If you're driven by purpose and excited to make a tangible impact, this is where your journey begins.

Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won't just watch innovation happen — you'll be part of it. Whether you're scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you'll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases.

What sets Forge apart is our culture of H.O.P.E. We are hardworking , showing up each day with determination and grit. We are open , creating a space where ideas flow freely and every voice is valued. We are purpose-driven , with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we are engaged , energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together.

At Forge, your growth matters. We're committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we're proud to see team members grow with us.

If you're ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself.

About The Role:

We are currently seeking a Lab Materials Manager, Supply Chain to join the Forge Biologics team. The Lab Materials Manager, Supply Chain will directly contribute to the strategic, operational, and supply chain activities required to support our Laboratory programs and vision. The Lab Materials Manager will have oversight of laboratory inventory and will be responsible for coordination of teams in synergy with all internal groups to ensure schedule attainment for our internal and external clients. This role will manage Inventory levels and flow for both internal and external gene therapy programs. The candidate will utilize existing material handling methods as well as being responsible for leading a team responsible for material handling needs for all laboratory teams. The ideal candidate will have experience in modern supply chain methodologies, inventory management systems, be highly organized, have previous management experience, be able to use or willing to learn to operate industrial equipment (For example lift trucks, reach trucks, fork lifts, order pickers, etc), and able to prioritize their schedule to meet the needs of internal and external customers.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement inventory strategies that align with the Laboratory's overall goals and objectives.

• Collaborate with multiple R&D and Lab teams to ensure appropriate levels of inventory to support product development, manufacturing, and distribution requirements.

• Identify opportunities for Inventory optimization and efficiency improvements within the Laboratory supply chain. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance overall supply chain performance.

• Robust data analysis of demand and usage to identify optimal stocking levels in the labs, warehouse, and with alignment with financial and business initiatives.

• Oversee the logistics and distribution processes of moving materials to the labs, including transportation, warehousing, and order fulfillment.

• Works directly with Laboratory personnel to ensure process communications are occurring in a timely manner and budget and timelines are being adhered to.

• Work with the processes and systems that support material handling activities including receiving, storing, labeling, controlling, re-stocking laboratory products or materials.

• Manages the materials space requirement plan and inventory plan in concert with the operational schedules in partnership with the Demand Plan and Planning Team.

• Use forecasting data to help drive procurement decisions with the Procurement team, ensure adequate inventory levels, and prevent supply shortages.

• Contributes to the SMOG (Slow Moving/Obsolete Goods) program and coordinates disposition with Forge partners to maximize inventory valuation

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of supply chain professionals. Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.

• Lead a team within the Supply Operations Warehouse team, and act as liaison between management and the team

• Coordinating with other workers to resolve discrepancies between inventory and ERP transactions. Including mentoring and training new associates how to identify and resolve independently.

• Performing extensive research on a wide range of inventory-related reports

• Creating and utilizing advanced inventory reporting to optimize warehouse operations

• Leading discussions with Supply Chain and other groups to ensure adequate inventory levels are maintained throughout the Research & Development inventory streams

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or advanced supply chain certification is a plus. Additional Years of experience may substitute for this requirement.

• 5+ years' experience in supply chain or laboratory operations within pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical manufacturing or other highly regulated environments.

• In-depth understanding of GMP regulations and quality systems related to pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Proven track record of successfully managing complex supply chain operations, including vendor management, demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and logistics.

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.

• Previous experience in leading teams and cross functional groups

• Ability to work hours necessary to support production and/or product transfer activities

Preferred Skills:

• Industrial Equipment Certifications

• Examples include lift trucks, reach trucks, fork lifts, order pickers, etc

• Previous experience with standard Inventory Management systems (ERP)

• Strong Leadership skills, and experience in managing teams

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands 

This position works in both a warehouse and typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. The noise level is usually moderate. This role utilizes a computer and other standard warehouse equipment such as powered industrial trucks and hand trucks. In this role, a candidates regularly move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, etc. Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Standard PPE and safety shoes are required to be worn for this role. They regularly communicate with others in person and electronically. Must have the ability to move around the facility for extended periods of time.

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

We've Got You Covered:

At Forge Biologics, we believe our people deserve to be taken care of – in and out of the workplace. We've built a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to help you thrive, grow, and feel valued every step of the way:

Health from day one

• Health, dental and vision insurance start your first day – with 90% of premiums covered for you and your family.

Time to recharge

• A competitive paid time off plan – because rest fuels innovation.

• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave so you can focus on family when it matters most.

Rewarding your impact

• Annual bonus opportunities for all full-time team members.

• 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.

• Special employee discounts, including childcare and dependent care savings.

Your wellness, supported

• Onsite fitness facility at The Hearth.

• Mental health counseling and financial planning services through our Employee Assistance Program.

• Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage to protect your peace of mind.

Fuel for your workday

• A fully stocked kitchen with free snacks and beverages – we keep you energized and ready for what's next.

Grow with us

• Ongoing professional development resources, training, and mentorship programs to help you build your care and grow within Forge.