Material Manager

The role

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Materials Manager to lead our materials planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory control operations. This role is responsible for overseeing a cross-functional team and driving efficient, cost-effective materials management processes that align with organizational goals and customer requirements. The ideal candidate is an innovative, data-driven leader with a passion for supply chain excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational growth.

What You’ll Do

• Team Leadership & Development: Direct and support departmental staff, ensuring effective training, performance evaluation, and professional development to meet current and future business needs.
• Materials Planning & Coordination: Collaborate with manufacturing and customers to schedule production, manage transportation logistics, and maintain optimal inventory levels to meet demand.
• Systems & Reporting: Develop, implement, and maintain procedures for accurate and timely materials management reporting.
• Supplier Management: Oversee supplier relationships, focusing on performance metrics and participating in program management activities as needed.
• Procurement & Inventory Control: Ensure timely procurement of production and service components. Monitor inventory levels and cycle counts to meet company goals and maintain accuracy.
• Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization: Identify and drive initiatives for process improvement and cost reduction across materials operations.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and track Key Operating Indicators (KOIs) to measure departmental success and support strategic goals.
• Packaging & Logistics Oversight: Manage packaging and freight strategies, including premium freight, routing, and compliance with customer packaging requirements (e.g., CLIPS).
• PFEP Management: Review and maintain the Plan for Every Part (PFEP), ensuring appropriate Min/Max inventory levels across all locations.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all activities are properly documented and comply with company policies, including emergency evacuation procedures.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.

Who you are

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field, MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Bailed Material Operation materials management, including direct supervision of staff, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Owned Material Operation materials management, with demonstrated leadership in staff supervision, ideally in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) and materials management systems such as Trans4M.
• Familiarity with departmental procedures and guidelines related to materials operations.
• CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management), CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager), or APP (Associate Professional in Supply Chain Management) certifications are preferred.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Multilingual capabilities are a plus.

Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements

• Typical physical demands include a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, with sufficient mobility to navigate both office and plant environments.
• Ability to perform standard computer-based tasks as part of daily responsibilities. Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% as required by the role.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Experience

Required

• 10 year(s): Progressive experience in Owned Material Operation materials management, with demonstrated leadership in staff supervision, ideally in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• 5 year(s): Experience in Bailed Material Operation materials management, including direct supervision of staff, preferably within the automotive industry.

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better

Preferred

• Masters or better

Skills

Required

• Strategic Thinking
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.)

Behaviors

Required

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Required

• Financial: Inspired to perform well by monetary reimbursement
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.