Material Controller

Our Organization:

We know deciding where to work is a major life decision. At Volvo, we take managing our talent as seriously as we take managing our business. We encourage you to learn more about Volvo, our strong culture, core values, passion for making the world a better place around us, and our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

If you find that you share these same beliefs, we encourage you to discover the opportunities we have available.

Want to learn more about Hagerstown?

We work cross-functionally and globally to exceed our customers’ expectations and reach world-class manufacturing standards. We have exciting work ahead of us, and more opportunities on the horizon.

The automotive industry is changing rapidly, and being part of this transformation is an exciting journey. Growth and countless career opportunities await those who are ready to take on challenges and contribute to our future.

We are the Heart and we keep the Heart beating. We have recently begun production of electric driveline components in addition to developing and producing heavy-duty diesel engines, transmissions, and axles for Volvo Group Brands.

In operation since 1961, we are a proud and supportive member of the Washington County community and surrounding areas.

Find more info here: Volvo Group - Hagerstown

This is Us, your new team:

We are a team of 11 professional Material Controllers and 2 Supply Chain Optimization & Compliance Manager focused on securing and optimizing external material flows from global suppliers to meet local production needs and customer demand with a Continuous Improvement mindset.

We focus on supplier performance, material availability, implementation of new products, and continuous improvement of our supply chain processes. We are committed to making Volvo more competitive through unique and creative solutions, data-driven decisions, and by resolving issues that impact supply chain efficiency.

We build on each other’s contributions and collaborate to make great things possible. We are continuously working to create a work community based on trust, ownership, and open dialogue.
Most importantly, we enjoy where we work, we support each other, and we cannot wait to welcome a new team member!

Job Description:

• This position will have a strong focus on developing and improving future ways of working within Supply Chain through digitalization, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement.
• You will play an important role in securing and optimizing the external material flow to support the Hagerstown Powertrain facility. Your responsibility is to ensure material is delivered in the right time, right place, and right quantity while balancing production needs, inventory levels, and cost efficiency.
• Activities and responsibilities will include securing material availability from suppliers in accordance with production schedules and customer demand. You will monitor supplier performance, identify potential risks, and take proactive actions to prevent disruptions impacting our operations.
• You will investigate material shortages and supply chain disruptions, take immediate actions to secure production, and coordinate recovery activities including additional transportation solutions when required.
• You will perform root cause analysis, identify improvement opportunities, and drive sustainable corrective actions to prevent future disruptions.
• You will be responsible for communicating with suppliers when production is at risk, facilitating structured action plans, monitoring progress, and escalating issues when necessary. Strong supplier relationships and effective collaboration will be key to achieving success.
• In the event of supplier-related production impact, you will analyze the situation, calculate the business impact, and support the supplier recovery process to ensure appropriate actions are taken.
• You will work closely with Volvo Production Logistics (PL) to manage transportation deviations, investigate late arrivals, missing shipments, and pallet-related issues. Together, you will continuously improve inbound material flow and strengthen supply chain performance.
• You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate procurement system parameters, supplier information, calendars, and planning data. You will support suppliers in understanding and following Volvo procurement processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within material control.
• The automotive industry is transforming rapidly, and Supply Chain is evolving with it. In this role, you will contribute to the development of smarter, more connected, and more resilient material flows through digital tools, improved visibility, data analysis, and innovative solutions. You will help strengthen our ability to respond faster, make better decisions, and continuously improve our supply chain performance.

Who are you?

• First and foremost, you are passionate about what you do and always aim to do your best. You are eager to learn, try new things, and willing to challenge existing ways of working by bringing new ideas and perspectives.
• You are curious and have a strong ambition to grow within a global organization. You raise your voice with ideas and suggestions, even when they challenge the norm.
• You have strong problem-solving capabilities supported by a can-do attitude. You have the ability to manage priorities, react quickly to challenges, and find solutions in a dynamic environment.
• You recognize the importance of positive working relationships and excellent communication skills to achieve success. You believe collaboration is the best way forward.
• You combine technical understanding with strong people skills and use both to accomplish your goals.

Required knowledge/experience

• University degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Engineering, or another related field and/or at least 3 years of experience in material planning, purchasing, logistics, or supply chain management.
• Demonstrated understanding of supply chain principles and standard practices, with experience working in SAP or similar supply chain systems considered a strong advantage.
• Understanding basic transportation concepts and inbound logistics processes.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify problems, understand root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset with the ability to drive improvements and implement new ways of working.
• Ability to manage crisis situations, conflicting priorities, and production-critical challenges.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Experience working with data analysis, digital tools, and supply chain visibility solutions is considered an advantage.
• Fluent in English. Additional language skills are considered a merit.
• Valid work permit for the applied country if not a citizen.

Preferred knowledge/experience:

• Experience using SAP material planning and logistics modules