Materials Department Lead

Job overview

The Materials Department Lead is based in Arete's Tucson, AZ or Niwot, CO office and oversees materials operations across company locations. The role requires approximately 25% travel, including Tucson, Niwot, Healdsburg, and occasional customer or supplier locations. Compensation is $105,000–$135,000 per year. Arete supports mission-critical defense programs and commercial programs. The lead directs materials planning, procurement coordination, inventory, kitting, warehouse operations, and logistics while developing systems and teams. The role aligns materials readiness with program requirements, compliance obligations, and company objectives, supporting operational excellence across multiple locations.

What you'll do

• Lead and develop the Materials Department across locations
• oversee planning, procurement coordination, inventory, kitting, warehouse operations, and logistics
• develop materials and supply-chain plans
• establish systems, policies, and procedures
• ensure compliance with DoD, AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, FAR, and customer standards
• partner with engineering, production, procurement, quality, program management, and finance
• optimize MRP/ERP systems
• lead continuous improvement
• manage budgets and cost control
• support audits, customer engagements, metrics, talent development, and supply disruption mitigation.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

materials department lead

supply chain

materials planning

inventory management

warehouse operations

mrp/erp

defense programs

itar/ear

secret clearance

25% travel

tucson az

niwot co

$105k–$135k

arete associates

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• life and long-term disability
• vision and fitness reimbursement
• company-funded 5% 401(k) contribution and 5% ESOP contribution
• continuing education assistance
• performance-based bonus opportunities
• flexible scheduling
• paid time off
• paid parental and bereavement leave.

Why this role

Requires a bachelor's degree, 5+ years of progressive materials/supply-chain/procurement experience, 2+ years of leadership experience, and U.S. citizenship. Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one is required. Approximately 25% travel.

About the employer

Arete Associates is hiring for this role. Industry: Public Finance Activities. Sector: 92.