Materials & Logistics Manager

Date: Mar 3, 2026

Location: Garden Grove, CA, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

 

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The Materials & Logistics Manager oversees all warehouse operations, including shipping, receiving, inventory control, material movement, and raw material flow across multiple facilities. This position ensures accurate inventory levels, compliant handling of chemicals and regulated materials, and efficient coordination of inbound and outbound freight within an aerospace and defense environment. The manager will lead a team of warehouse, shipping, and receiving personnel, including union employees, while driving operational excellence, safety, and compliance.

Job Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations & Material Flow

  • Manage daily warehouse operations, including receiving, put‑away, picking, staging, and shipping.
  • Oversee material flow of raw materials, components, work in process inventory and finished goods across multiple sites and/or buildings.
  • Develop and maintain efficient warehouse layouts, inventory locations, and storage strategies.
  • Ensure proper handling, storage, and tracking of chemicals and hazardous materials per OSHA, DOT, EPA regulations.
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Shipping & Receiving

  • Oversee all inbound and outbound freight, including domestic and international shipments.
  • Manage logistics, contracts and relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, and third‑party logistics providers.
  • Ensure accurate processing of shipping documentation such as packing lists, bills of lading, and export paperwork.
  • Analyze and monitor freight invoices for accuracy.
  •  

Inventory Management

  • Lead inventory cycle counts and annual physical inventories.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records within the ERP/MRP system.
  • Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
  • Ensure traceability and proper documentation for lot‑controlled, serialized, or ITAR‑restricted materials.
  •  

Leadership & Team Management

  • Supervise shipping & warehouse staff, including union employees.
  • Provide coaching, training, and performance management for team members.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and hazardous material regulations.
  •  

Continuous Improvement

  • Identify opportunities to improve material flow, inventory accuracy, and logistics processes.
  • Lead or support Lean, 5S, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve material issues and support business objectives.

Job Qualifications

  • 7 years of experience in warehouse, materials management, inventory control, or logistics roles.
  • 3 years in a supervisory or managerial position, including managing managers/supervisors and experience with union employees.
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated environments preferred.
  • Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (AS400/ASI or others).
  • Knowledge of OSHA, DOT, ITAR, and hazardous materials regulations.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
  • Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR regulations to comply with export compliance requirements, with ability to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance if needed.

 

 

Preferredn Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience implementing advanced inventory technologies, including Vertical Lift Module (VLM) systems, barcode scanning solutions, and supporting ERP transitions.
  • Background working in a start-up or high‑growth environment, with the ability to build processes, adapt quickly, and operate effectively in a dynamic setting.
  • Working knowldege of ERP systems such as ASI AS400 or similar ERP platforms.

 

Compensation Data

Salary Range: $115,000.00 - $145,000.00

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

 

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

 

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​


Nearest Major Market: Orange County
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles