Materials Manager

Description:

Summary/Objective

The Materials Manager oversees all activities related to material planning, procurement, inventory control, and material flow throughout the production process. This role ensures that raw materials, components, and finished goods are available to meet production schedules and customer demand while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing costs. The Materials Manager works closely with Purchasing, Production, Engineering, and Quality to maintain a smooth and efficient supply chain.

Essential Functions

• Develop and maintain material requirements planning (MRP) to support production schedules.
• Monitor material availability and proactively address shortages or excess inventory.
• Maintain clear communication of schedule changes, priorities, and recovery plans.
• Align material plans with demand forecasts and production capacity.
• Implement inventory control policies and procedures.
• Optimize inventory levels to balance service levels and working capital.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues impacting material flow.
• Manage the movement of components from receiving and storage areas to production lines.
• Develop and maintain kanban systems, line-side stocking strategies, and material staging plans.
• Coordinate with production teams to ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials to workstations.
• Monitor and optimize internal transportation resources (forklifts, tuggers, AGVs) for timely delivery.
• Implement lean principles to reduce handling time and improve material flow efficiency.
• Generate reports on OTD, material status, inventory health, and supplier performance.
• Lead and participate in daily tier meetings (SQDCP); identify and implement corrective actions for issues.
• Support SIOP, capacity planning, and inventory optimization initiatives.
• Provides leadership and expert technical support to the materials department. Mentors and guides team members to foster professional growth and technical excellence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with purchasing, manufacturing, engineering, finance, and quality teams.

Competencies

• Leadership
• Collaboration and Communication
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Accountable to Objectives
• Organizational Skills
• MRP/Planning Systems Knowledge
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products

Requirements:

Environment/Physical Requirements

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department in the Office and Factory Floor.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position with working hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, depending on workload there may be occasional longer days and occasional weekends as needed. Employee is expected to work the necessary hours to complete all tasks on time and to a satisfactory standard.

Travel

Up to 20% travel may be required for this position.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field required.
• 5+ years of supply materials management, inventory control, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment