Material Controller Standard (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

Role Summary

The Material Controller (also known as a Production Flow Expeditor) plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and timely delivery of materials from upstream production processes and warehouse storage to the assembly line. This role goes beyond traditional material handling by integrating a strong understanding of production priorities, supply chain flow, and proactive issue escalation to minimize production delays and support continuous manufacturing operations.

This position is essential to maintaining production readiness, supporting lean material flow, and ensuring inventory accuracy. The Material Controller works closely with Production Control, Quality, and Upstream Production teams to ensure seamless execution of the production schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Commissioning & Line Readiness
  Stage and deliver components to production lines in accordance with the production control schedule. Prepare upcoming jobs in advance to ensure uninterrupted assembly flow.

• Material Flow Management
  Proactively track and move materials using powered industrial trucks and hand tools, with a clear understanding of part destinations and urgency.

• ATO Inventory Management
  Maintain accurate inventory of neutral production parts using a “grocery store” model. Ensure inventory control and availability.

• Order & Schedule Awareness
  Collaborate with Production Control to understand current and upcoming production orders. Align material movements with takt time and build sequences.

• Upstream Collaboration & Escalation
  Monitor part availability from upstream processes. Identify and escalate shortages, delays, or quality issues to prevent line stoppages.

• MRB (Material Review Board) Support
  Maintain the MRB area by segregating and labeling rework or scrap materials. Coordinate with Production and Quality teams for timely disposition.

• Visual & Digital Tools Usage
  Utilize kanban boards, production dashboards, and handheld devices to manage tasks, track inventory, and log exceptions.

• Housekeeping & Safety
  Follow 5S and safety practices in all material handling and staging areas. Ensure safe transport and storage of components.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Operation of powered industrial trucks and hand tools.
• Work in warehouse and production environments.

Mental & Behavioral Requirements

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented and proactive in identifying and resolving issues.
• Comfortable working with both physical materials and digital tracking systems.

Safety Requirements

• Adherence to all plant safety rules and procedures.
• Required use of PPE including safety glasses, safety-toed footwear, and hearing protection.

Key Interfaces

• Direct Contacts: Production Control, Warehouse Staff, Quality, Upstream Production, Team Leads
• Indirect Contacts: Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, and other support functions

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in material handling, logistics, or production environments (Rittal experience preferred).
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with ERP systems or digital tracking tools. Forklift/PIT certification or willingness to obtain.
• Other Skills: Ability to read and interpret production schedules and basic work instructions.

Work Environment

This role involves working in warehouse and production environments and may require flexibility across shifts or work areas as needed.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may contact the company’s Human Resources Department at (937) 399-0500.

This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability.

Rittal LLC and Eplan are proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. EEO, including Disability/Vets.