Sr. Manager, Materials Management - Memphis
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Key details
Why this role is notable
xAI is building materials and inventory operations at data-center scale for its Colossus supercomputers in Memphis, a sign that the company is treating physical infrastructure, not just models, as a core part of its AI buildout.
Job Description
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today, SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary and expanding consciousness to the stars.
SpaceXSI is building Super Intelligence to help humanity understand the universe. Our teams are building the full Super Intelligence stack: from our Colossus supercomputers, to Grok models, to our suite of applications, including Grok Bot, Grok Build, Grok Imagine, Grok Voice, and X. We're creating a powerful flywheel where more compute trains better models, better models power more useful products, and what we learn from people using those products shapes what we build next.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Materials Management organization is a crucial part of data center operations, managing all critical materials to build and operate the world’s largest supercomputer clusters. Our goal is to become a leader in inventory performance with high accuracy and efficiency. The Sr. Manager will be responsible for managing day-to-day activities and exceeding customer expectations by leading continuous improvement.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support and maintain operational targets and objectives for fulfillment, distribution, and storage centers.
- Strategy – Understand the processes, procedures, and needs of the business to develop strategy, business metrics, and goals to guide the organization in the direction needed.
- Leadership – Manage a multi-level deep organization, consisting of both hourly and salary individuals across 4 shift patterns that support 24/7 operations; assess employee performance, provide positive/constructive feedback, facilitate conflict resolution, and address repeat issues with corrective actions, performance improvement plans, or through disciplinary means.
- Role Model – Lead by setting an example, taking feedback from all levels of the organization, and motivating your organization to achieve the highest level of results.
- Safety – Monitor and improve operations, ensuring a safe work environment – with the goal of zero OSHA recordables annually.
- Quality – Ensure business practices not only guarantee the storing of product in a quality manner, but also meet those needs outlined in AS9100 and customer flow-down requirements.
- Customer Service – Manage operations that provide industry leading levels of customer service in all operations: recognizing the needs of the business and adapting to support our mission.
- Cost – Lead cost saving opportunities, identifying internal/external cost reductions and optimization opportunities.
- Process Improvement – Drive the projects and changes needed to ensure the distribution center can maintain rates year-over-year.
- Shelf Life - Monitor shelf-life storage and maintain proper rotation of stock, FIFO.
- Environmental Controls – Ensure the appropriate environmental controls are in place, depending on the material requirements of the items being stored in the distribution center.
- Storage – Manage and control the storage of non-SpaceX part numbers that need to be maintained for the business; this is a mixture of both internal and external storage.
- Mentorship – Actively monitor and grow the workforce, ensuring team members are challenged and performing at the expected standards; work to develop ways and methods to motivate team members to go above and beyond the status quo.
- Adaptability – As SpaceX continues to innovate and pave the way for future development, this manager needs to be able to adapt his/her business to the ever-changing needs of the organization.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree and 4+ years of experience working in one or more of the following: or bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following: or 10+ years of experience working in one or more of the following in :
- Material or production planning
- Purchasing
- Distribution
- Operations or supply chain management
- Material cost control
- Master production scheduling
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Organized and self-driven, capable of working independently with little direction.
- APICS certification – CPIM or CSCP desired.
- Excellent communication and team-building skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced /cross-functional environment while maintaining on-time project completion, deal with a wide variety of challenges, and work with a diverse array of contacts.
- Capable of adapting to abrupt changes in strategy.
- Experience within an aerospace, aviation, or automotive manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience with capital planning and management.
- Demonstrate innovative and futuristic thinking to drive continuous improvement.
- Computer Skills - Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Project.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Lifting up to 50 lbs, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
- Must be able to work all shifts, extended hours and/or weekends as needed
- Ability to provide 24x7 on-call support in emergency situations.
- This position is based in Memphis, TN and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
- Position may require domestic travel up to 20% as needed
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