Materials Manager

Job Purpose

We are seeking a forward-thinking Materials Manager to lead end-to-end materials strategy in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role blends operational excellence, people leadership, and digital transformation-leveraging AI, predictive analytics, and ERP systems (SAP) to optimize material flow, improve inventory performance, and ensure flawless customer delivery. You will play a critical role in shaping a data-driven, resilient supply chain, aligning production, engineering, and supplier ecosystems to meet evolving customer and business needs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Lead the execution of production schedules, ensuring seamless alignment across materials planning, manufacturing, and customer delivery
• Drive adherence to safety, quality, and compliance standards across all material-related processes
• Maintain green customer delivery scorecards for both production and aftermarket channels, ensuring consistent on-time delivery performance and rapid recovery plans for any service risks
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to achieve plant performance targets

Digital & AI-Driven Supply Chain

• Leverage SAP and advanced analytics tools to optimize materials planning, inventory control, and production flow
• Utilize AI/ML-driven forecasting and predictive planning to improve demand accuracy, reduce variability, and mitigate supply risks
• Implement data-driven dashboards and real-time performance tracking (inventory turns, OTIF, WIP levels, etc.)
• Identify and deploy automation opportunities (e.g., digital Kanban, automated replenishment, smart cycle counting)

Inventory & Flow Optimization

• Lead Lean/continuous improvement initiatives to reduce WIP, excess inventory, and obsolescence
• Design and manage efficient end-to-end material flow strategies from supplier to point-of-use
• Ensure inventory accuracy through robust cycle counting programs, system integrity, and audit readiness

Business Planning & Strategy

• Contribute to the plant business plan, including capacity modeling, capital investments, and supply chain strategy
• Conduct scenario planning using data and digital tools to support growth, launches, and demand shifts
• Drive cost optimization initiatives across materials, logistics, and inventory carrying costs

Supplier & Material Management

• Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement and delivery of materials
• Manage supplier performance, RMAs, rework processes, and escalation resolution
• Strengthen supply chain resilience through risk identification and mitigation strategies

People Leadership & Culture

• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing materials team
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making
• Lead workforce planning, performance management, and talent development

Education and Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 5+ years in materials management, supply chain, or production control within manufacturing
• 3+ years of people leadership experience (preferably in a union environment).
• Strong experience with SAP or equivalent ERP systems

Functional Expertise

• Deep understanding of production scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain operations
• Proven success applying Lean principles to improve flow and reduce waste
• Experience in unionized manufacturing environments (preferred)

Skills and Competencies

Digital & Analytical Capabilities

• Strong proficiency in ERP (SAP), Excel, and data analytics tools
• Experience using or implementing AI, predictive analytics, or digital supply chain solutions (highly preferred)
• Ability to translate data into actionable insights and business decisions

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence across all levels
• Highly organized with the ability to manage complexity in a fast-paced environment
• Results-driven mindset with a strong sense of urgency and ownership

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to lead digital transformation in manufacturing supply chain
• High-impact role with visibility to senior leadership
• Collaborative, continuous improvement culture
• Competitive compensation and growth opportunities

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with occasional extended hours based on business needs

What Sets You Apart

• APICS/CPIM certification
• Experience implementing Industry 4.0 or smart factory initiatives
• Background in automotive or high-volume manufacturing