Material Control Specialist

Job Description

Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,600 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere. 

This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels, we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you! 

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.  

The Material Control Specialist will play a critical role in managing material resources for our solar panel manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for the planning, organization, and monitoring of all material-related activities to ensure a smooth and efficient production process. The Specialist will manage the Material Resource Plan (MRP), ensuring inventory levels meet production needs while minimizing excess stock and costs. Key responsibilities include material demand planning, raw material inventory turnover management, purchase requisition management, material cost control, and coordination with cross-functional teams to ensure project requirements are met. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Material Budget Development and Material Resource Plan 

• Prepare the annual material budget plan based on production requirements and financial targets. 

• Utilize ERP systems to generate the Material Resource Plan (MRP) for material requests and procurement. 

• Ensure timely and accurate PR (Purchase Requisition) requests in alignment with production schedules. 

Inventory and Stock Control 

• Maintain strict control over safety stock levels to ensure production continuity. 

• Monitor and improve the inventory turnover rate while ensuring accurate warehouse accounting and materials tracking. 

• Manage incoming material with collaboration with the Logistics team, and inventory levels, to avoid excess and ensure efficient stock use. 

Cost Control and Budget Management 

• Implement cost control strategies to ensure material costs stay within the allocated budget. 

• Monitor material cost trends and provide analysis and recommendations to minimize overall material expenditure. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration  

• Work closely with project management, procurement, production, and other functions to resolve material-related issues. 

• Ensure that material planning and inventory control align with broader project timelines and goals. 

Qualifications: 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or related field. 

Experience: 

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in material control, inventory management, or supply chain management in a manufacturing environment, preferably in the solar or renewable energy sector. 

• Experience using MRP or ERP systems. 

Skills & Competencies: 

• Bilingual in English and Chinese (Mandarin) is required, with the ability to conduct meetings and calls in both languages. 

• Willingness and ability to participate in evening calls or meetings with suppliers and partners in Asia due to time zone differences. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on material cost control and inventory management. 

• Proficiency in ERP systems and MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.). 

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail. 

• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams. 

• Knowledge of inventory turnover and safety stock principles. 

• Strong understanding of warehouse management and material tracking systems. 

Other Requirements: 

• Strong knowledge of MRP systems and processes. 

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and priorities. 

• Experience in cost-saving initiatives and budget management for materials. 

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for ensuring materials are managed effectively. 

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward. 

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.