Section Chief Storehouses

Reporting directly to the Director, Materials & Stores, the Section Chief, Storehouses will be responsible for overseeing material planning activities for all storehouses and provide accountability for inventory that includes requisitioning, receiving, releasing, issuing of materials, and services for Mechanical, Engineering, and Transportation operations. The primary duties include: Provide guidance and supervision to staff at all storehouse locations to ensure department goals and objectives are met; maintain appropriate staff levels in all locations; provide direction on the identification and resolution of inventory balance errors; and monitor performance. Utilize cost efficient material controls practices to monitor and forecast inventory investments for all storehouses; and assist with the establishment and update of guidelines for stock versus non-stock decisions. Provide oversight and accountability for inventory and material planning activities; ensure requisitioning, releasing of materials, and services are appropriately processed; and coordinate the identification, documentation, and sale of obsolete and scrap materials. Coordinate and manage the procurement and inventory control planning activities including annual physical inventory; and establish and maintain control parameters, manage proper inventory levels, replenishment methods, reorder points, quantities, and classifications. Ensure maximum efficiency and compatibility between inventory control and purchasing strategies; and inventory information is maintained, processed, and updated in appropriate electronic systems. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Materials Management, Industrial Distribution OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in materials management.
2. In addition to #1, five (5) years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or materials management.
3. Three (3) years of supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidelines and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Considerable knowledge of inventory, inventory controls, and public purchasing methods.
5. Considerable knowledge of warehouse layout, procedures, and safety rules.
6. Considerable knowledge of warehouse management systems to help enhance operational efficiency and overall productivity.
7. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel); familiar with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as D365 or similar.
8. Strong written and verbal communications and interpersonal skills to interact collaboratively with employees at all levels to articulate storehouse and agency issues and maintain effective working relationships.
9. Strong organization and analytical skills with attention to detail to identify trends in seasonal demands, ordering patterns to adjust replenishment needs, and meet schedules and deadlines.
10. Ability to lead and supervise employees with varying duties and responsibilities related to inventory management in a team or individually.
11. Ability to effectively prioritize and delegate work.
12. Ability to analyze cause and effect relationships, clarify input from different sources, and reach appropriate decisions in a timely manner.
13. Ability to exercise discretion, good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
14. Must posses and maintain a current valid driver's license.
15. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
16. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
17. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Experience in the railroad or transportation industry.
2. Experience working in a union environment with labor relations and collective bargaining agreements.
3. Certified Production Inventory Manager (C.P.I.M.).
4. Incident Command Certification.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position. Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.