Lean Material Flow Specialist

About Company:

For over 50 years, Tedia has been a trusted leader, delivering the industry’s broadest portfolio of ultra-high-purity solvents to critical scientific markets. From bulk supply to bench-scale delivery, we provide the consistency, flexibility, and regulatory confidence our partners depend on to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Guided by our five core values: Safety in every action, People at the center of our success, uncompromising Quality, forward-focused Innovation, and responsive Sustainability, we are committed to protecting those we serve. Together, these principles define who we are and how we power scientific progress safely, reliably, and responsibly.

About the Role:

The Lean Material Flow Specialist plays a critical role in optimizing the movement and management of materials within manufacturing and distribution environments to enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste. This position focuses on analyzing current material flow processes, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing lean methodologies to streamline workflows and improve throughput. The specialist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including production, supply chain, and quality assurance to ensure seamless integration of lean principles into daily operations. By leveraging data-driven insights and continuous improvement strategies, the role aims to minimize lead times, reduce inventory costs, and increase overall productivity. Ultimately, the Lean Material Flow Specialist drives sustainable improvements that support the organization's strategic goals and customer satisfaction objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in material flow optimization, lean manufacturing, or process improvement roles.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, tools, and methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping.
• Proficiency in data analysis and process mapping software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) and automated material handling equipment.
• Project management experience with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Advanced skills in statistical analysis and continuous improvement frameworks.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze existing material flow processes and identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement using lean tools and techniques.
• Develop and implement lean material handling strategies to optimize inventory levels, reduce waste, and improve delivery performance.
• Collaborate with production, logistics, and supply chain teams to design and maintain efficient material flow layouts and workflows.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives such as value stream mapping, 5S, and Kaizen events to enhance material flow and operational performance.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to material flow and provide regular reports and recommendations to management.
• Train and mentor team members on lean principles and best practices to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate material availability aligned with production schedules.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Lean Material Flow Specialist to systematically analyze and redesign material handling processes to eliminate waste and improve efficiency. Proficiency in lean tools such as value stream mapping and 5S is applied daily to identify bottlenecks and implement sustainable improvements. Strong communication skills facilitate collaboration with diverse teams, ensuring alignment and effective change management. Data analysis capabilities support the monitoring of KPIs and the development of actionable insights to drive continuous improvement. Preferred skills, including Lean Six Sigma certification and ERP system experience, enhance the specialist’s ability to lead complex projects and integrate material flow improvements within broader operational systems.