Director, Materials Planning & Work Prep

Proven Leadership, Hard Work and Innovation Alive and Well in North America

Rittal North America has built a strong tradition of innovation and takes pride in a progressive approach to engineering. We design and manufacture the world’s leading industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories, including high-efficiency, high-density power management, and climate control systems for industrial, data center, outdoor, and hybrid applications.

Director, Work Preparation and Planning

Brief Summary:
The Director of Work Preparation and Planning is responsible for establishing internal logistics, tactical purchasing, planning, industrial engineering, and Lean strategies. This role provides leadership and guidance on all aspects of work preparation, planning, and the Rittal Production System, ensuring operational excellence and continuous improvement across supply chain and production processes.

Why Work at Rittal:

• Above-average benefits available on the 1st of the month after you start
• 401K Match
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications
• Collaborative, innovative work environment

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish internal logistics, tactical purchasing, planning, industrial engineering, and Lean strategies
• Advise company leadership on work preparation, planning, and production systems
• Provide performance management leadership to drive employee engagement
• Inspire and maintain a strong safety culture and safe working environment
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Plan, implement, and control supply chain operations from origin to consumption
• Build sustainable logistics networks aligned with local and HQ strategic goals
• Oversee inventory management, capacity management, and new product introduction processes
• Optimize network and warehouse operations for best-in-class performance
• Drive internal logistics optimization projects to improve inventory accuracy and parts supply
• Ensure continuous material supply and proper inventory levels
• Oversee production planning processes and teams
• Optimize production capacity using SAP functionality for steady production flow
• Support improvements in lot sizes and SIOP processes
• Enhance data collection, analysis, and communication for better decision-making
• Provide prototype support and ensure accurate BOM and routings for specials
• Perform MTM studies and maintain SAP updates for routing changes
• Determine routings for cost analysis on new products and special projects
• Identify and implement production cost improvement opportunities
• Support operations with detailed cost analysis for productivity gains
• Develop Lean Management roadmap and deploy Rittal Production System model
• Drive Lean activities including Shop Floor Management, Kaizen events, and Lean culture
• Provide guidance for 6S and Continuous Improvement programs

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field
  • Equivalent experience in supply chain, industrial engineering, and lean management leadership

• Experience & Skills:

  • Expertise in SIOP, supply chain management, order management, manufacturing, Lean, and logistics
  • Experience in sheet metal fabrication, coating, and manual assembly of electrical cabinets
  • Proven success in logistics, production planning, lean manufacturing, and tactical purchasing
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement methods (Lean, Six Sigma)
  • Deep SAP knowledge required
  • Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
  • Proficiency in MS Office tools
  • Ability to work in a matrix environment
  • Travel up to 10%

• Preferred Certifications:

  • APICS, ASCM, Six Sigma Black Belt

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may contact the company’s Human Resources Department at (937) 399-0500.

This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability.

Rittal LLC and Eplan are proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. EEO, including Disability/Vets.