Materials Manager

Job Summary/Overview

The Materials Manager is responsible for supporting production control and manufacturing by providing an uninterrupted supply of goods and services needed to fulfill customer orders and successfully run the operation. This position is a manager of people role, managing a team of buyers and a team of production planners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains purchasing systems and procedures to ensure compliant and ethical relationships with all vendors and suppliers.
• Oversees and manages the performance of the team of buyers and the team of production planners, ensuring alignment with company goals and efficient procurement and production planning processes.
• Issues and supervises issue of purchase requisitions and orders. Includes direct supervision of one or more employees and others indirectly to assure purchase requisitions and orders are accurate, complete, and timely.
• Plans and schedules purchases and deliveries, and monitors MRP recommendations and ERP reports for adequacy and accuracy. Develops/utilizes reports and tools to ensure appropriate quantity and timing of material supply. Expedites and/or escalates problem purchase orders for orders placed by self and others when those responsible for expediting have been unable to get a satisfactory result.
• Manages purchases, inventory levels, and delivery timing to achieve inventory and on-time delivery goals. Evaluates excess and obsolete material to disposition and drive corrective action to prevent recurrence.
• Requests bids, analyzes costs, and negotiates best possible cost of ownership with suppliers, including initial cost, latent costs, on-time deliveries, freight costs, quality, quantity, packaging, payment discounts, and claims adjustments.
• Identifies and leads cost savings initiatives. Supports and utilizes Lean initiatives and general continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and optimize performance.
• Works with corporate purchasing team to evaluate and select suppliers based on their ability to perform to quality, delivery, and cost expectations.
• Optimizes and maintains parameters and records associated with purchased parts in the ERP system, including pricing, lead time, safety stock, minimum order quantity, order multiple, supplier information, and performance measures.
• Utilizes inventory stratification process and PFEP (Plan for Every Part) to determine appropriate inventory levels and purchase quantities. Develops and implements Kanban pull systems and replenishment processes in conjunction with operations.
• Oversees resolution of transactional and quality issues related to purchased materials. Makes adjustments with suppliers due to failure to meet specifications for quality, quantity, packaging, or paperwork. Evaluate and disposition non-conforming material, resolve invoicing and shipment discrepancies, and handle damage claims.
• Must maintain confidentiality of information obtained during the course of work.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Must be able to routinely use mathematics and analytical skills.

• Must be able to prioritize tasks, apply complex concepts to the solution of problems, and negotiate effectively with business vendors.
• Must be able to function effectively as a team member, prioritizing team objectives over personal goals, while also working independently with minimal supervision.
• Thorough understanding of MRP and its inputs in a manufacturing environment
• Must be able to operate a personal computer, calculator, and ERP. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Excel, and Word required.
• Maintains a collaborative, team relationship with direct reports, peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the group’s achievement of goals and to help foster a positive work environment
• Demonstrates a friendly, responsive, customer centric, service-minded attitude to all internal and external customers, with a very strong sense of urgency.
• Demonstrates a willingness to accept change and new approaches, including additional responsibilities
• Sets work plans and considers priorities for completing assignments in order to meet deadlines
• Maintains compliance with all state and federal regulations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in a Business related or Technical Field, Supply Chain or Operations degree is preferred.
• 7+ years related experience
• Practical Manufacturing experience in planning, input/output control, bills of materials, routing, and inventory management.
• Prior leadership experience
• ERP experience
• Financial and Business Acumen
• Advanced analytical skills
• APICS and/or CPM Certification preferred.