Materials Manager - Precision Welding Solutions

Job Description:

Are you an experienced people leader within Materials or Supply Chain that is looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

As the Materials Manager at Miller Electric’s Precision Welding Solutions Division, you will spearhead the development and performance of all global procurement and supply chain activities, managing approximately $70 million in direct and indirect spend. You will lead procurement and supply chain operations, driving both short-term and long-term initiatives with a focus on strategic sourcing. Your expertise will ensure our new product development remains competitive through meticulous evaluation of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

In this pivotal role, you will lead and mentor a team of high-performing exempt-level professionals, coaching and developing them to achieve success. Your efforts will significantly impact the division, as you collaborate closely with Suppliers, Engineering, Operations, and the Sourcing Category Manager to create synergies that propel our business forward.

How you will make an impact:

Supplier & Supply Chain Leadership

• Ensure supply chain continuity by proactively managing supplier risks, resolving critical supply issues, and communicating impacts across the division.
• Build strategic supplier relationships, manage contracts, address pricing actions, and lead supplier performance through QBRs and development initiatives.
• Drive sourcing savings, supplier quality improvements, and execution of category strategies aligned with division and segment objectives.
• Partner cross-functionally to support MRD continuity, S&OP, NPD initiatives, and insource/outsource decisions that optimize cost, quality, and service.

Strategic Sourcing & Business Planning

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with division, segment, and enterprise objectives.
• Partner with Engineering and Category Managers throughout the NPD process, ensuring early sourcing involvement and successful product launches.
• Lead cross-functional planning activities including S&OP, LRP, and Annual Planning to align supply, demand, inventory, and business objectives.
• Drive sourcing process excellence through standard tools, purchasing process improvements, supplier development, and cost optimization initiatives.

Risk Management

• Manage supply risk analysis for multiple locations working with internal/external teams to validate raw material alternatives to maintain supply and offset price increases.
• Monitoring and ownership of KPIs: MOH (months on hand) and inventory grading risk for raw materials as well as cycle counts, PPV.
• Present key materials trends, issues, and inflation & deflation forecast to the Division to manage monthly, quarterly, and annual outlook.
• Accountable for inventory control; including reorder points, safety stock and lead times
• Ensure all SOP’s, ISO Documentation and Audit Records are up to date

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Materials & Supply Chain team through talent assessment, succession planning, performance management, and Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Foster an inclusive culture by providing candid feedback, building leadership capabilities, and driving accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Lead organizational change and strengthen cross-functional influence, business acumen, and strategic thinking across the team.

What you need to do to be successful in this role:

• Driven to make a positive impact: Self-starter, conscientious, detail-oriented, enthusiastic with a positive attitude and able to work with ambiguity. Able to work effectively and efficiently under tight timelines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Leadership Development: Ability to develop leaders, assess talent, drive succession planning, and create growth opportunities for team members.

• People leadership and drive accountability: Empower team members to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute to strategic goals.

• Negotiate and Influence: Strong change management and influencing skills, with the ability to lead initiatives across functions without direct authority.

• Analysis: Understand category-specific business, technology, and market trends. Ability to understand supply market and alternative/competitive products within the industry.

• Strategy: Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution while developing a high-performing team.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written skills both business and technical nature with strong presentation skills.

• Build collaborative relationships: Ability to identify, assess and execute savings initiatives beyond the traditional Raw Material price negotiations (e.g., Value Analysis/Value Engineering) and to successfully work cross-functionally (primarily engineering) to get these projects completed.
• Business Acumen: Ability to understand financial concepts, invoicing, accounts payable, and other financial business processes. Interprets financial data, analyzes cost structures, and determines financial impacts of decisions. Ability to understand the NPD tollgate framework

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Ops Management, Supply Chain Management, Business or equivalent
• 5+ years' experience in leading a team of direct reports and track record of people development
• Strong Microsoft Office and ERP-system skills required.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.