A Day in Life:
The Materials Manager oversees all parts inventory, procurement, and distribution operations for the Santa Clara autonomous vehicle depot. This role is responsible for ensuring parts availability to support maintenance operations 24/7, managing inventory levels, coordinating with suppliers (OEM and aftermarket vendors), and leading a team of Materials Coordinators.
Reporting to the Service Manager, the Parts Manager works closely with the Service Supervisors to minimize vehicle downtime and ensure parts support meets operational needs. This role requires strong supply chain management, inventory control, vendor relationship management, and logistics expertise in a fast paced, high tech autonomous vehicle environment.
What You'll Do:
- Oversee all parts inventory management, procurement, receiving, and distribution for the autonomous depot.
- Lead and develop a team of Materials Coordinators working 24/7 shifts.
- Ensure parts availability to support maintenance operations and minimize vehicle downtime.
- Manage inventory levels, reorder points, safety stock, and stock replenishment processes.
- Coordinate with OEM suppliers (Nuro, Lucid, etc.) and aftermarket vendors on ordering, expediting, delivery tracking, and warranty returns.
- Implement and maintain inventory control systems, cycle counting programs, and accuracy audits.
- Partner with the Service Manager and Shop Foreman to forecast parts needs, manage critical inventory, and support launch and scaling plans.
- Manage parts budget, cost controls, vendor pricing, and supplier performance.
- Ensure proper storage, handling, labeling, and organization of parts and materials.
- Develop and maintain parts SOPs, receiving procedures, documentation standards, and system workflows.
- Drive continuous improvement in inventory accuracy, fill rates, cost efficiency, and operational support.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and facility requirements for parts storage and handling.
What We're Looking For:
- 5+ years of experience in automotive parts management, inventory control, supply chain operations, or materials management.
- 2+ years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of automotive parts, inventory management systems, procurement processes, and vendor management.
- Experience with electric vehicle parts, autonomous vehicle components, or specialty vehicle parts a plus.
- Proven ability to manage inventory, control costs, forecast demand, and drive operational efficiency.
- Proficient in inventory management software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, problem solving, and communication skills.
- Strong vendor negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Ability to work in fast paced, dynamic, and evolving environments.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed to support 24/7 operations.
- Valid California driver's license required.
What You'll Get:
- The starting salary range for this role is $85,000-$105,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
- Reimbursement for Travel Expenses (as applicable, per Company policy guidelines).
- Paid Time Off / Vacation / Paid observed Holidays (Accruals start at 1.25 Days a Month, 4 Floating Holidays, 9 Paid Observed Holidays).
- Medical, Dental & Vision plan options.
- Life Insurance: (paid Basic Life Insurance provides coverage equal to one-times your base annual pay, at no cost to you).
- Retirement programs, including 401(k) employer matching: employer will match your contributions dollar for dollar on the first 3% you contribute and 50 cents per dollar on the next 2% you contribute.
- Paid Parental Leave & Adoption Assistance.
- Employee Assistance Program for employees & family.
- Educational Reimbursement & Discounts.
- Voluntary Insurance Programs - Pet, Legal/Identity Theft, Critical Illness.
- Perks & Discounts - Theme Park Tickets, Gym Discounts & more.
Skills for Job Profile / Best Fit Analysis:
This is for internal use only for new job roles that will have skills or competencies added to the job profile for internal applicants and career planning.
☐ Deliver Performance Results
☐ Organization
☐ Prioritization
☐ Time Management
☐ Develop and Lead High Performing Teams
☐ Verbal and Written Communication
☐ Collaboration and Relationship Development
☐ Microsoft Office Suite
☐ Influencing
☐ Business and Financial Acumen
☐ Conflict Resolution
☐ Problem Solving
☐ Analytical Thinking
☐ Decision Making
☐ Adaptability
☐ Change Management
☐ Attention to Detail