Materials Lead

Materials Lead

The Materials Lead is responsible for leading Materials employees in achieving expected safety, quality, inventory accuracy, delivery, productivity, and cost targets. This position coordinates daily activities across Kitting, Shipping and Receiving, Inventory Management, and Material Handling to ensure materials are received, stored, transacted, prepared, and delivered accurately and on time to support production and customer requirements.

The Materials Lead provides day-to-day work direction, training, coaching, and workflow coordination for assigned Materials employees while working closely with Materials leadership, Production, Scheduling, Purchasing, and other departments.

We are a leading manufacturer, distributor, and fleet sales expert of premium truck bodies with commercial upfit for vocational markets nationwide. We strive for a pioneering attitude and a focused commitment to innovation in all we do.

The Nuts and Bolts

• Adhere to all safety procedures, quality standards, PPE requirements, and promote a safe, organized work environment through 5S and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead the daily activities of the Materials department, including Kitting, Shipping & Receiving, Inventory Control, and Material Handling, ensuring work is prioritized to support production and customer requirements.
• Assign, coordinate, train, and coach Materials team members while providing day-to-day leadership to support safety, quality, productivity, and operational objectives.
• Coordinate the receipt, storage, movement, kitting, and shipment of materials while ensuring inventory accuracy and complete shipping documentation.
• Monitor inventory accuracy through proper material handling, inventory transactions, cycle counts, audits, and reconciliation of discrepancies.
• Partner with Production, Scheduling, Purchasing, Quality, and Operations to resolve material shortages, inventory issues, and workflow challenges while supporting production schedules.
• Support departmental performance related to safety, quality, inventory accuracy, productivity, and on-time material availability, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Complete required labor, inventory, attendance, and departmental documentation accurately and timely.
• Support onboarding, cross-training, and employee development to build a flexible and highly skilled Materials team.
• Operate material handling equipment and perform hands-on Materials responsibilities as needed to support departmental objectives.
• Knowledge of materials, inventory, shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize work, coordinate multiple tasks, and meet production schedules.
• Proficient with ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and basic computer applications.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment and perform the essential functions of the position.

Required Credentials

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Previous manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or materials experience required.
• Previous experience in Materials, Kitting, Shipping and Receiving, Inventory Control, or Material Handling preferred.
• Previous Lead or team leadership experience preferred.
• Experience assigning work, training employees, and coordinating daily workflow preferred.
• Working knowledge of inventory control and material movement processes preferred.
• Experience using an ERP, MRP, warehouse management, or inventory system preferred.
• Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, dollies, or other material-handling equipment preferred.
• Fast-paced manufacturing and warehouse environment with frequent interaction on the production floor.
• Regular exposure to non-climate-controlled conditions and material handling equipment.
• Must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work overtime and perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

How We Make an Impact

At Reading Truck, we have more than 65 years of industry leadership in the manufacture, distribution, and enhancement of work truck bodies. We continue to experience rapid growth through our expanding network of more than 20 locations across North America. Take the next step in your career and come get paid to play with trucks!

Some of Our Total Rewards

We offer big company perks with small company culture:

• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision and Life
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match

• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

• 10 paid holidays
• Generous Footwear, Eyewear, and Safety Equipment Discount Program
• Paid Training and Development Programs

Reading Truck is committed to building and preserving an accessible, welcoming, supportive, fair, and inclusive environment. Accommodations are available to support prospective employees during the recruitment and hiring process. Should you require any accommodations, please advise us in advance so that we can work with you to find suitable accommodation.