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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Materials Manager

💰 $95,000 - $145,000

Supply ChainLogisticsManufacturingOperations Management

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for a dynamic and experienced Materials Manager to join our leadership team and take full ownership of our materials management function. As the strategic linchpin of our supply chain, you will be responsible for the seamless flow of materials, from raw component procurement to final product distribution. The ideal candidate is a master of inventory optimization, a shrewd negotiator, and a natural leader who can drive continuous improvement initiatives. You will be instrumental in developing and executing strategies that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring our production lines are always supplied and our customers' needs are consistently met. This is a high-visibility role that requires close collaboration with production, engineering, finance, and sales to achieve company-wide objectives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Buyer / Procurement Specialist
  • Senior Production Planner / Scheduler
  • Inventory Control Supervisor
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Director of Materials Management
  • Director of Supply Chain
  • Plant Manager
  • Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement Manager
  • Logistics & Distribution Manager
  • Operations Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute comprehensive inventory control strategies to optimize stock levels, minimize carrying costs, and ensure material availability for production schedules.
  • Lead the Master Production Scheduling (MPS) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) processes to accurately forecast demand and align material procurement with production needs.
  • Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, leading the negotiation of contracts, pricing, and payment terms to secure favorable agreements and ensure a reliable supply chain.
  • Direct and coordinate all inbound and outbound logistics, including transportation, warehousing, freight management, and customs compliance, to ensure timely and cost-effective movement of goods.
  • Champion and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline all materials-related processes.
  • Drive cost-reduction projects across the materials and logistics functions, analyzing spend, identifying savings opportunities, and executing plans without compromising quality or delivery timelines.
  • Manage, mentor, and develop the materials team, including buyers, planners, and warehouse staff, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Ensure the absolute accuracy of inventory records and Bills of Materials (BOMs) within the ERP system, overseeing a robust cycle counting program and periodic physical inventories.
  • Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Sales departments to ensure seamless cross-functional alignment on production schedules, engineering changes, and new product introductions.
  • Analyze global market trends, supplier financial stability, and commodity pricing to proactively mitigate supply chain risks and identify strategic sourcing opportunities.
  • Oversee the optimization of warehouse layout, material flow, and material handling processes to ensure a safe, secure, and highly efficient operational environment.
  • Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turns, on-time delivery (OTD), days of supply (DOS), and purchase price variance (PPV) to executive leadership.
  • Manage the disposition of excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory (E&O) to maximize value recovery and minimize financial write-offs.
  • Ensure all materials management activities strictly comply with company policies, safety protocols, industry regulations, and quality standards (e.g., ISO, IATF).
  • Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to effectively balance supply and demand.

Secondary Functions

  • Resolve complex, urgent supply chain issues, including critical part shortages, supplier quality problems, and logistics disruptions, by deploying effective root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
  • Prepare, justify, and manage the departmental budget, accurately forecasting material costs, operational expenses, and capital expenditures.
  • Coordinate with New Product Introduction (NPI) teams to ensure material readiness and seamless supply chain integration for all new product launches.
    strive- Develop and execute a comprehensive supplier performance management program, utilizing scorecards, audits, and quarterly business reviews to drive supplier improvement.
  • Lead the evaluation and selection of supply chain software and technologies (ERP, WMS, TMS) to drive digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover insights and support strategic business decisions.
  • Contribute to the organization's long-term data and supply chain strategy and technology roadmap.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ERP/MRP Systems Mastery: Deep, hands-on expertise with enterprise-level ERP systems such as SAP (MM/PP modules), Oracle, or similar platforms.
  • Advanced Inventory Management: Proven ability to implement and manage sophisticated inventory control techniques, including Just-in-Time (JIT), Kanban, and ABC analysis.
  • Supply Chain Principles: Comprehensive understanding of end-to-end supply chain management, logistics, and global sourcing strategies.
  • Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma: Practical experience in applying lean principles (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen) to eliminate waste and improve processes.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Proficiency in using data analysis tools (e.g., advanced Excel, Power BI, Tableau) to track KPIs, identify trends, and generate actionable insights.
  • Contract Negotiation & SRM: Demonstrated skill in negotiating complex supplier contracts and managing supplier relationships for long-term partnership and performance.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Leadership: Ability to lead, inspire, and develop a diverse team, setting a clear vision and fostering a collaborative, results-oriented culture.
  • Exceptional Communication: Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
  • Complex Problem-Solving: A knack for identifying the root cause of intricate problems and developing creative, effective, and sustainable solutions under pressure.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong business and financial sense, with experience in budget management, cost analysis, and making fiscally responsible decisions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree (MBA, MS in Supply Chain Management)
  • Professional Certifications (e.g., APICS, CSCP, CPIM, CLTD).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Logistics or a related field
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 7-10+ years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
  • At least 3-5 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing industry such as automotive, electronics, or consumer goods.
  • A demonstrated track record of successfully managing multi-million dollar inventory and annual spend.
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