Materials Manager

Materials Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead and optimize all aspects of purchasing, production planning, inventory control, production control, and logistics. This role is responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials through the manufacturing process while maintaining optimal inventory levels, supporting customer demand, and driving operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing, MRP systems, supply chain management, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the purchasing, materials planning, production planning, production control, inventory, shipping, receiving, and logistics functions.
• Develop and oversee master production schedules to align manufacturing capacity with customer demand and business objectives.
• Manage inventory control processes to ensure optimal inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Oversee Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system utilization, planning parameters, and data accuracy to support efficient operations.
• Coordinate capacity planning activities to maximize production efficiency and meet delivery commitments.
• Supervise production control activities to ensure a continuous flow of materials through manufacturing.
• Direct procurement activities, including sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiations, and purchasing of materials, equipment, supplies, and services.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery.
• Serve as the company's subject matter expert for Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), providing guidance, training, and continuous process improvement.
• Lead shipping and receiving operations, including packaging procurement, inventory accuracy, and warehouse efficiency.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, preservation, and shipment of materials and finished goods.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, sales, and customer service teams to support business objectives.
• Analyze key supply chain metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs, improve inventory turns, and increase service levels.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and industry standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard team members.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Assign workloads and establish departmental priorities.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development.
• Address employee concerns and resolve operational issues effectively.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in materials management, supply chain, production planning, purchasing, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience managing purchasing, inventory control, production planning, logistics, and warehouse operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, production scheduling, and inventory management.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP software.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD) are a plus.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of demand planning, capacity planning, and supplier performance management.

Key Skills

• Materials Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Purchasing & Procurement
• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Inventory Management
• MRP/ERP Systems
• Production Control
• Logistics & Distribution
• Vendor Management
• Capacity Planning
• Forecasting
• Continuous Improvement
• Lean Manufacturing
• Leadership & Team Development
• Problem Solving
• Data Analysis

You should be proficient in:

• ERP & MRP Systems
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• SAP
• shopview

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• SAP
• shopview