Materials Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading all material planning, inventory control, logistics, warehousing, shipping, receiving, and customer fulfillment activities to ensure uninterrupted production and exceptional customer service. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for materials management processes, including MRP planning, supplier performance, inventory optimization, production scheduling support, and supply chain execution. The Materials Manager partners closely with Operations, Finance, Purchasing, Program Management, and customers to drive operational excellence, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Materials Planning & Inventory Management

• Establish and maintain MRP system parameters and related production planning systems to ensure accurate material requirements and inventory visibility.
• Develop and execute material planning strategies that support customer demand while maintaining optimal inventory levels.
• Ensure material availability to support production schedules and customer requirements while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.
• Manage the integrity and accuracy of Bills of Material (BOMs), inventory records, and material master data.
• Oversee inventory management processes, including cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, adjustments, and inventory accuracy programs.
• Identify opportunities to reduce excess and obsolete inventory, improve inventory turns, and eliminate material-related waste.
• Establish procedures that ensure effective control of supplier releases, inbound shipments, receiving documentation, material storage, material movement, and outbound customer shipments.
• Monitor and measure supplier performance to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, and service expectations.
• Lead initiatives to improve inventory accuracy, reduce discrepancies, and maintain inventory integrity across the facility.

Production Planning & Customer Satisfaction

• Collaborate with Plant Leadership, Operations, and Production teams to develop production schedules and forecasts that support customer demand and operational objectives.
• Ensure material plans align with production requirements, capacity constraints, and inventory goals.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to delivery performance, inventory management, supplier performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve operational and business targets.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to proactively address supply chain challenges and ensure service excellence.
• Support customer satisfaction objectives through reliable delivery performance and effective materials management practices.

Supply Chain & Program Launch Management

• Support new product launches by ensuring material readiness, supplier preparedness, and successful system implementation.
• Coordinate material planning activities for engineering changes, product transfers, production transitions, and capacity expansions.
• Partner with Corporate Supply Chain teams to align plant objectives with overall business strategies.
• Collaborate with Finance to develop inventory, freight, and materials forecasts and adjust plans based on business conditions and customer releases.
• Lead supply chain risk mitigation efforts to ensure continuity of supply and business performance.

Logistics, Warehousing & Operations

• Direct all shipping, receiving, warehousing, materials handling, scheduling, logistics, and inventory control activities.
• Ensure efficient material flow throughout the facility to support production requirements and customer expectations.
• Optimize warehouse operations, material handling processes, and transportation activities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Identify and eliminate process inefficiencies through Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Support plant-wide operational excellence initiatives by integrating materials management strategies into manufacturing processes.
• Establish goals and action plans focused on reducing transportation costs, packaging expenses, inventory levels, and overall supply chain costs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, develop, coach, and mentor the Materials team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and development plans aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor team performance and ensure the accuracy and integrity of materials-related records and transactions.
• Promote a safe work environment and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive employee engagement and ensure the team has the resources and training necessary to achieve operational excellence.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in Materials Management, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Inventory Control, or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing MRP/ERP systems, inventory planning, forecasting, and demand management processes.
• Proven leadership experience managing materials, inventory, logistics, or supply chain teams.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, inventory management, warehousing, and customer fulfillment processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting new product launches and engineering change management.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or related supply chain certification preferred.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Core Competencies

• Materials Planning & Inventory Management
• MRP/ERP Systems Expertise
• Supply Chain Management
• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Inventory Optimization
• Logistics & Warehousing Operations
• Supplier Performance Management
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving
• Data Analysis & KPI Management
• Cost Reduction & Operational Excellence
• Leadership, Coaching & Team Development
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Customer Focus & Relationship Management

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex operational data.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build strong business relationships.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, decision-making ability, and a proactive, results-driven mindset.
• High level of accountability, initiative, and commitment to continuous improvement.

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