Material Handler

Overview

The Material Handler is detail-oriented and proactive, overseeing all aspects of material management between warehouse operations and manufacturing operations in a fast-paced pharmaceutical/biotechnology environment. This role plays a critical part in ensuring all materials required for the production of TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) lots are properly verified, staged, and transferred in advance to prevent delays on processing days. The Material Handler will act as a key liaison between Supply Chain and Manufacturing, ensuring timely communication regarding material discrepancies, shortages, or escalations that could impact production schedules. The ideal candidate is highly organized, adaptable, and committed to maintaining compliance with GMP standards, SOPs, and safety guidelines.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Verify, stage, and prepare materials required for production runs in advance of scheduled processing.
• Coordinate timely transfers of materials from warehouse to manufacturing to prevent delays.
• Manage bulk kit hand-off to Manufacturing, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Support Manufacturing Material Dispensary (MMD) operations, including restocking and material flow.
• Assist with in-process escalations from Manufacturing related to material availability.
• Store and manage iPBMCs (feeder cells) in LN2 storage units, ensuring proper movement in and out to support production needs.
• Conduct routine inventory counts for both Warehouse and Manufacturing areas, restock indirect and direct materials as required.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping of material movements, staging, and usage.
• Monitor material discrepancies, shortages, or risks and communicate promptly with Supply Chain and Manufacturing leadership.
• Serve as a liaison between Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Manufacturing to facilitate smooth material flow.
• Collaborate with Planning and Warehouse teams to support production readiness and scheduling.
• Provide clear and timely updates on material status, risks, or escalations impacting production schedules.
• Ensure adherence to all SOPs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and safety guidelines.
• Uphold high standards of documentation accuracy and compliance during all material handling activities.

Required Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• High School diploma or equivalent 1-5 years of experience working in a GMP warehouse setting or in logistics experience in operating material handling equipment preferred.
• Experience and/or certification in operating material handling equipment preferred (i.e. forklift).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize effectively to deliver results within reasonably established guidelines.
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities with a strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Ability to operate computers and relevant warehouse management computer software (i.e. ERP/MES).
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends.

Preferred Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• Experience in material handling within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, American Production, and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification is an asset.
• Familiarity with inventory control systems, LN2 storage handling, and warehouse-to-manufacturing material flows is a plus.

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Please contact Human Resources for further information.

Physical Demands and Activities Required

• Extensive walking and repetitive physical motion (Squatting, bending, lifting, climbing ladders) is required.
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work well in a team setting.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• This position requires repetitive motion, substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information.

Mental

Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines

Work Environment

This job works in a professional office environment and a manufacturing lab setting. Potential exposure to latex, bleach, loud noise, lab equipment hazards, strong odors, and chemical/biochemical is possible. Requires operating standard office equipment and keyboards.