Materials Specialist
Job Title: Materials Specialist
Location: Chicopee, MA
Start Date: Immediate
About Gateway and WANRack:
St. Louis-based Gateway Fiber and Kansas City-based WANRack have merged to create a national fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) platform serving residents, businesses, and schools across 25 U.S. states. Gateway Fiber, founded in 2019, provides high-speed internet to residential and commercial customers across Missouri, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. WANRack, launched in 2013, is a broadband provider that serves school districts and libraries through its E-Rate program, as well as residential and commercial customers in eastern Kansas via its KWIKOM subsidiary.
The merger combines the resources of both companies, resulting in greater scale, improved operations, and enhanced growth opportunities for employees and the organization. The combined company is expanding its product offerings for small and medium-sized businesses while addressing increasing commercial and wholesale internet needs.
Gateway’s Beliefs About People:
Gateway believes that people want to know they are cared for both professionally and personally at work. We need a clear vision for where the company is going and how we can contribute to it. At Gateway, we lookout for each other and actively find ways to help one another. We all have a role in defining the path forward towards the company’s vision. We strive for a transparent environment where information is readily shared and our teams feel safe to share feedback, even if it might seem unpopular. Someone in the right role with the tools to succeed can operate autonomously to meet their objectives. Gateway’s beliefs about people shape the company and the way we do business.
Expected Outcomes and Requirements:
This role is responsible for maintaining inventory accuracy, ensuring timely availability of materials for production or shipment, and coordinating with procurement, warehouse, and production teams. The ideal candidate has a strong background in materials handling, inventory control, and ERP systems.
· Receive, inspect, and store incoming materials according to company procedures.
· Monitor inventory levels and coordinate material replenishment to prevent shortages or overstocking.
· Issue materials to construction and install teams or other departments as requested.
· Track material movement using inventory management or ERP systems.
· Perform regular inventory audits, cycle counts, and reconcile discrepancies.
· Collaborate with procurement to verify delivery schedules and resolve material issues.
· Maintain accurate records of materials transactions, usage, and stock levels.
· Organize and label materials for efficient identification and retrieval.
· Ensure material storage areas are clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards.
· Assist in the planning of material requirements based on build and installing schedules.
The successful candidate will bring the following to the table:
· High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or certification in supply chain or logistics preferred.
· 2+ years of experience in material handling, warehouse, inventory control, or related role.
· Familiarity with inventory software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
· Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
· Ability to lift and move heavy materials, 75lbs.
· Basic math and data entry skills.
· Good communication and teamwork skills.
· Knowledge of safety procedures in material storage and handling.
· Forklift operation certification.
· Experience in manufacturing or production environments.
· Understanding of just-in-time (JIT), FIFO, or lean material handling methods.
What’s in it for you?
· Seeing your work make a positive difference in the lives of our served communities.
· Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, paid time-off, flexible environment).
· Locally owned, friendly, innovative company with high growth projections.
· Career development.
· Opportunity to wear many hats and learn non-traditional skills.