Manufacturing Operations Manager
12 days ago
Simi Valley
About RITEC RITEC is a specialized aerospace and defense manufacturer focused on rugged computing systems, secure networking hardware, and mission-critical printing solutions designed for extreme environments. Our products are deployed across airborne, shipboard, and ground-based platforms where performance, reliability, and durability are non-negotiable. We operate as a highly agile, engineering-driven organization where cross-functional collaboration and ownership are essential. Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead procurement, inventory control, and supply chain operations across our manufacturing programs. This role is critical to ensuring on-time delivery, cost control, and compliance with aerospace and defense standards. You’ll be working closely with engineering, production, and executive leadership to support both ongoing programs and new product development. Key Responsibilities • Lead all materials planning, procurement, and inventory control functions, • Manage supplier relationships, pricing, and lead-time negotiations, • Oversee MRP system accuracy, BOM alignment, and material availability, • Drive cost reduction initiatives and improve inventory turns, • Ensure compliance with aerospace/defense requirements (traceability, documentation, etc.), • Coordinate closely with engineering on new product introductions (NPI), • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (obsolescence, long lead items, single-source dependencies), • Manage and mentor materials, purchasing, and inventory staffQualifications, • 5+ years experience as a Materials Manager (or similar leadership role), • Background in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing strongly preferred, • Deep experience with MRP/ERP systems (you’ve lived in them, not just used them), • Strong understanding of BOMs, supply chain dynamics, and production planning, • Experience managing suppliers for electronic components, assemblies, and mechanical parts, • Ability to operate in a fast-moving, engineering-heavy environment, • Strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skillsWhat We’re Looking For (Personality Fit), • Hands-on operator—not just a coordinator, • Comfortable making decisions with incomplete information, • Naturally thinks in terms of risk, lead time, and cost tradeoffs, • Strong communicator who can work directly with engineers and executives, • Takes ownership and drives results without needing heavy structure Qualifications, • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (preferred; equivalent experience considered), • 5+ years experience as a Materials Manager or similar leadership role, • Strong experience with MRP/ERP systems (configuration, maintenance, and high-volume usage—not just data entry), • Advanced proficiency in Excel and data analysis (pivot tables, forecasting, inventory planning), • Solid understanding of BOM structures, production planning, and inventory control, • Experience sourcing electronic components, mechanical parts, and assemblies, • Background in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing strongly preferred, • Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, lead times, and cost optimization initiatives, • Strong organizational, analytical, and cross-functional communication skillsRegulatory & Compliance Requirements, • Must be a U.S. Person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual), • Ability to comply with export control regulations and company security policies, • Must be eligible to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and, if required, support programs with additional security requirements Benefits & Perks, • Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus opportunities, • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, • 401(k) retirement plan with company participation, • Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays, • Stable, long-term employment in a growing aerospace & defense company, • High-impact role with direct visibility to leadership, • Opportunity to work on mission-critical, ruggedized systems for demanding environments, • Collaborative, engineering-driven culture with minimal bureaucracy, • On-site role with strong team interaction and decision-making authority