Materials Management Specialist

Job Details: Level: Experienced, Job Location: Corporate Office - Bakersfield, CA, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: G.E.D or Equivalent, Salary Range: $42.59 - $53.36Hourly, Travel Percentage: Negligible, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Other, Kern Energy is currently seeking a Materials Management Specialist who supports the refinery warehouse operations, inventory management, material procurement, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position is responsible for maintaining inventory accuracy, ensuring timely material availability, executing competitive sourcing activities, and improving warehouse processes to support safe, reliable, and cost-effective refinery operations. The successful candidate will exhibit Kern’s core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection.  Job Function Manage inventory replenishment, stock levels, and critical spare parts availability. Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counting, reconciliation, and inventory adjustments. Monitor material usage, lead times, and min/max levels to optimize inventory investment. Maintain accurate inventory transactions and records within ERP/CMMS systems. Support daily warehouse activities, including receiving, issuing, storing, and staging materials. Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment. Maintain proper material identification, storage, organization, and housekeeping standards. Coordinate material requirements with maintenance, operations, and project teams. Source materials and obtain competitive bids for inventory replenishment and refinery projects. Prepare and evaluate requests for quotation (RFQs), comparing pricing, lead times, and supplier capabilities. Negotiate favorable pricing and delivery terms while maintaining quality and reliability. Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships. Develop, review, and update warehouse and materials management procedures. Identify and implement improvements to inventory control, procurement, and warehouse workflows. Support 5S initiatives, inventory optimization, and operational efficiency improvements. Promote compliance with company safety policies and established internal controls.Qualifications: Knowledge Skills Working knowledge of ERP/CMMS systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills. Ability to interpret material specifications, part numbers, and technical documentation. Ability to safely operate a forklift and obtain or maintain required operator certification.Education/ Experience Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field, or equivalent relevant work experience. 10+ years of experience in materials management, industrial warehousing, inventory control, or procurement preferred. Experience in petroleum refining, oil and gas, manufacturing, or industrial MRO environments preferred.