What Does a Material Expeditor Do?

The Material Expeditor plays an essential role in ensuring the smooth operation of supply chains by monitoring and facilitating the flow of materials needed for production. This position involves close coordination with suppliers, purchasing departments, and production teams to ensure timely delivery of materials, thereby minimizing production delays and maintaining the efficiency of manufacturing processes. By tracking orders, verifying delivery schedules, and addressing any discrepancies or delays, the Material Expeditor helps maintain a steady and reliable supply of necessary components, supporting the overall productivity and success of the manufacturing operation. Their efforts ensure that projects stay on schedule, inventory levels are appropriately managed, and any potential supply chain disruptions are addressed proactively.

Material Expeditor Job Duties

• Coordinate the timely movement of materials from suppliers to production areas to ensure manufacturing schedules are met.
• Review and process purchase orders and delivery schedules to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve any issues related to material shortages, quality, or delivery delays.
• Monitor inventory levels and reorder materials as necessary to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Arrange for the transportation of materials between facilities or from suppliers to ensure efficient and cost-effective logistics.
• Inspect received materials for quality and accuracy against purchase orders and report any discrepancies to suppliers and procurement teams.
• Implement and maintain tracking systems for materials in transit to provide real-time status updates to relevant departments.
• Negotiate with carriers and suppliers to secure better rates or expedited services when necessary to meet critical project deadlines.

Material Expeditor Salary & Outlook

Factors influencing a Material Expeditor’s salary include industry experience, the complexity of the supply chain managed, expertise in specific software tools for inventory and procurement management, and the scale of projects handled. Negotiation skills and the ability to minimize costs while ensuring timely delivery also significantly impact earnings.

• Median Annual Salary: $49,350 ($23.73/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $87,500 ($42.07/hour)

The employment of material expeditors is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing global supply chain complexities and the need for efficient inventory management. Material Expeditors are crucial in ensuring timely material delivery, minimizing production delays, and optimizing supply chain operations, thus supporting various industries’ expanding production demands.

Material Expeditor Job Requirements

Education: Material Expeditors typically possess a diverse educational background, with many holding a High School Diploma, while others have advanced to Bachelor’s Degrees, Post-Secondary Certificates, or Associate’s Degrees. Relevant fields of study include supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related discipline. Coursework in project management, operations management, and inventory control can be particularly beneficial. Education in these areas equips candidates with the necessary analytical, organizational, and communication skills required for the role.

Experience: Material Expeditors typically enter the field with a background in logistics, supply chain management, or a related area. On-the-job training is common, allowing individuals to gain practical experience in inventory management, procurement processes, and vendor relations. Many also benefit from formal training programs that focus on efficient material flow, cost reduction techniques, and software relevant to inventory and database management. Successful expeditors often have experience in fast-paced environments, demonstrating strong organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Certifications & Licenses: No specific certifications or licenses are typically required for the job of Material Expeditor.

Material Expeditor Skills

Inventory Management: Tracking and allocating resources with precision ensures production timelines are met without leading to surplus or shortages. Coordination among procurement, warehousing, and production departments is vital to optimize material flow and minimize costs.

Supply Chain Coordination: Managing the material flow from suppliers to production lines ensures timely delivery and optimal inventory levels, reducing production delays. Precise communication and negotiation with suppliers, coupled with adept scheduling, maintain seamless supply chain operations.

Purchase Order Tracking: Monitoring the progress of purchase orders from placement to delivery is critical for on-time material arrival, preventing project delays and maintaining workflow continuity. Attention to detail and proactive supplier communication are necessary to address issues promptly and keep projects within budget.

Vendor Liaison: Negotiating and communicating effectively with suppliers guarantees the timely delivery of materials. A deep understanding of supply chain dynamics and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with vendors are required to secure favorable procurement terms.

Quality Control Inspection: Examining materials for defects, inconsistencies, and non-conformities before dispatch or use in production ensures compliance with specified standards. A keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of product specifications and quality benchmarks are essential to prevent delays and maintain supply chain integrity.

Logistics Planning: Coordinating the movement of materials from suppliers to production lines or construction sites keeps projects on schedule and within budget. The ability to forecast needs, negotiate delivery timelines, and adapt to supply chain disruptions, while maintaining clear communication with vendors and project teams, is crucial.

Material Expeditor Work Environment

Material Expeditors often find themselves navigating between office settings and the dynamic environments of warehouses or manufacturing plants. Their workspace is thus a blend of desk-based tasks, where they manage schedules and communicate with suppliers, and on-the-ground operations, ensuring the timely movement of materials. This dual setting requires them to be adept at using both office software for planning and handheld devices for inventory management.

Work hours can extend beyond the typical nine-to-five, especially when dealing with international suppliers across different time zones or when project deadlines loom. The dress code tends to be practical, reflecting the need to switch between an office and a more industrial environment, with safety gear being paramount in the latter.

The role demands constant interaction with a range of departments, from procurement to production, fostering a collaborative culture. However, it also requires a level of independence and problem-solving, as expeditors often have to quickly address delays or material shortages to keep operations running smoothly.

Advancement Prospects

Material Expeditors, pivotal in ensuring the timely delivery of materials for projects, can advance to roles such as Senior Expeditor or Procurement Manager by demonstrating exceptional organizational and negotiation skills. Mastery in coordinating with suppliers and understanding logistics intricately positions them for higher responsibility roles, including Supply Chain Manager.

To accomplish these advancements, gaining experience in various industries, such as manufacturing or construction, enhances their adaptability and expertise in handling diverse supply chain challenges. Specializing in technology-driven inventory management systems can further distinguish a Material Expeditor, making them candidates for leadership positions within procurement and supply chain departments.

Progressing into these roles typically requires a deep understanding of the end-to-end supply chain process, from sourcing to delivery, and the ability to lead teams effectively. Material Expeditors aiming for advancement should focus on developing strategic planning and team management skills.