Inventory & Logistics Manager
Description
WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $105,000 to $145,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.
SUMMARY
Redwire Defense Tech is looking for a Manager who will be responsible for leading all Logistics functions with authority over Shipping, Receiving and Inventory Control for our San Luis Obispo facility. The person selected for the role will be responsible for owning the design, performance, and regulatory compliance for all material-movement and storage processes and setting departmental strategy, defining standards, and building systems that ensure export-compliant, accurate, and efficient global shipping operations.
**Full working knowledge and background in Hazmat, Export Compliance and Shipping laws is required**
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
- Establish the long-range plan for Logistics, including capacity planning, staffing, departmental KPIs, and workflow architecture.
- Create and maintain policies governing shipping, receiving, inventory control, export compliance, and internal freight operations.
- Oversee adherence to ITAR/EAR requirements, HTS codes, ECCN classification, controlled goods handling, and export-documentation accuracy.
- Lead the design of warehouse layout, material-flow strategy, and inventory-control methodology to align with business demands and regulatory requirements.
- Build and enforce cycle-counting programs, inventory-accuracy controls, and systemic root-cause analysis for discrepancies.
- Architect process-improvement initiatives using structured methods (Kaizen, A3, error-proofing).
- Direct training programs that elevate team capability in export compliance, hazardous materials rules, customs requirements, and ERP-driven material management.
- Provide training, guidance, support, and assistance to inventory, shipping, logistics, and production staff.
- Maintain oversight of timekeeping, staffing, and performance management while delegating day-to-day supervision to team leads or supervisors.
- Direct the selection, qualification, and performance management of freight forwarders, carriers, brokers, and logistics partners.
- Enforce and promote a culture of safety by conducting regular safety inspections, identifying potential hazards, and implementing corrective actions to mitigate risks in inventory and shipping operations.
REQURIED QUALIFICATIONS
- Extensive background in logistics or inventory management with demonstrated ownership of cross-functional material-movement processes.
- Leadership experience with departmental-level responsibility, including strategic planning, metrics ownership, and personnel development.
- Strong competency in international logistics, export-control compliance, freight forwarding, customs processes, HTS classification, ECCN determination, and regulatory documentation.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, inventory-control principles, and warehouse-management tools.
- Capability to interpret technical documentation and integrate it into material-flow and classification decisions.
- High-accuracy decision maker capable of prioritizing in a complex operational environment.
- Knowledge of safety governance and regulatory obligations for material handling and shipping.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Copy of preferred qualifications
- 6 to 10 years’ experience in logistics, inventory and / or global shipping roles
- Prior management experience leading multi-function operations.
- Demonstrated use of structured continuous improvement tools.
- Experience in quality managed environments (AS9100 preferred)
REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS
- Matching 401(k)
- Paid PTO
- Paid holidays
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- HSA and FSA Options
- Critical Care Plan
- Accident Care Plan
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.