Manager, NPI Material Handling

NPI Material Handling Manager

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

Role Summary: NPI Material Handling Manager is the onsite leader for all material coordination, from receiving inbound shipments to warehousing, kitting and lineside supply this leader is focused on accuracy whilst operating in a fast paced, ever changing, pre-production build environment. This position is located onsite in Tustin, CA and reports to the Senior Manager of NPI Production Control. Oversight of this role is currently 4 locations: Myford, Plymouth, Carson and Torrance. Key support role for R&D material, including reworks, ship in/out is an additional responsibility.

Responsibilities:

• Supports and teaches all processes associated with the NPI Material Handling Group.
• Communicates between shifts, departments, and locations to implement best practices, resolve problems, and sustain consistent performance to objectives, enabling Rivian to deliver exciting next generation vehicles.
• Evaluates shift quality (Warehouse targets for inventory accuracy + Kitting targets for lineside delivery) and performance levels and ensures the shift meets continuous improvement requirements.
• Evaluates bottlenecks in upstream processes and collaborates process improvement.
• Evaluates and develops countermeasures for downstream delivery issues.
• Implements and monitors the metrics for the Group and leads the tool.
• Teaches, plans, and implements the Rivian Production and Quality Network with emphasis on the five core principles.
• Coordinates operational changes with the Warehouse(s) and Pilot Assembly plant.
• Maintains housekeeping standards and applies 5S as prescribed in Lean Manufacturing.
• Supports defining and utilizing appropriate inventory controls and processes.
• Ensures proper use and care of equipment, and safety.
• Responsible for implementing cross functional and job rotation training where applicable.
• Mentoring pilot production facility Material Handling Group Leaders, Material handling analysts and change coordination and others will constantly seek operational efficiency.
• Manage all direct reports, develop job duties for the organization, monitor and feedback all direct reports on a quarterly basis.
• Manage all resources to cover peaks in build activities as well as absences/PTO.
• Travel to Normal IL production facility as required.
• Team member travel to support all facilities as required Travel to Plymouth, Carson, Torrance as required for team interface SOP development and implementation to align with business needs.
• Skills Matrix updates & application completion per site - all employees Training as required to support skill level requirements for each position KPI collection - Prototype Event Totals, Inbound Receipts, Outbound Shipments, Kits Completed (By event, By Site) Site Showcase Readiness that accommodates leadership visits/tours as required Longer hours as required Special staff duties Headcount Management and development of requirements to ensure the operations are staffed properly. Articulate and demonstrate with data the requirements for success. Maintain HC Plans digestible for leadership consumption (with Process Lead) Cost of doing business - Overtime Management as required Maintain Facility/Team Budget via Capex Mgt/Pcard. Ensure business case supports budget spending. EHS/Safety commissioner the rep while no EHS present Promote and Execute Cross functional Material Handling certifications for team, includes -equipment operation supports workload shifts R&D Responsibilities Manage all facility maintenance & site dunnage to ensure safety protocols and work areas are maintained T&D Battery Introduce headcount requirements in conjunction with additional R&Rs (Dunnage in Normal is an entire team) Material Rework Management in collaboration with Launch Quality. Maintain ongoing business processes to ensure material moves, storage and table layouts are in support of rigorous material deviations via quarantines and physical updates. Obsolescence management role Execute yearly Physical Inventory at all sites post build. Create plans/execution with MHAs Ensure that a fast pace "Can Do" approach for all team members supports critical work of building, updating and delivering prototype assemblies and vehicles.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Supply chain operations field preferred
• 3 years previous supervisory experience highly preferred
• Experience with Materials Requirement Planning "MRP"/Inventory Management Software such as SAP
• Proficient in strategies for warehouse set up and material flow
• Working knowledge in Google Software & Atlassian Applications
• Strong leadership skills, experience managing multiple teams preferred
• Ability to set tasks and responsibilities
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and stay within budget
• Strong team orientation and cross functional attitude
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to communicate in a high-pressure environment
• Preferred Experience in automotive, EV, aerospace, or high-tech manufacturing.
• Experience supporting multi-site or greenfield launches.
• PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Material Handling Equipment proficiency

Key Skills:

• NPI & Launch Execution
• Material Flow Optimization
• Warehouse & Line-Side Logistics
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Lean / 5S / Kaizen
• ERP / WMS Systems
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Safety & Ergonomics

Pay Disclosure:

Salary Range for California Based Applicants: The salary range for this role is $112,100 - 140,100 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than November 13, 2026.

Equal Opportunity:

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io.