Material Management Specialist

About the role

Candidates with production planning experience who are local to the Minneapolis area are encouraged to apply! We are seeking a Materials Management Specialist to lead production planning, inventory management, logistics coordination, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage division-wide production plans and master production schedules aligned with customer demand and business forecasts.
• Balance manufacturing capacity, labor, equipment, and material availability to achieve service, productivity, and inventory goals.
• Cookordination production activities across multiple manufacturing locations to ensure efficient resource utilization and on-time order fulfillment.
• Manage short-term and long-range production schedules while proactively resolving challenges related to material shortages, engineering changes, labor constraints, and equipment availability.
• Lead inventory control processes, including inventory strategy, accuracy, records management, and material planning.
• Partner with Procurement to ensure timely replenishment of raw materials and components.
• Drive inventory optimization initiatives while maintaining high customer service levels.
• Analyze inventory trends and adjust stock strategies based on changing business conditions and operational requirements.
• Lead the monthly S&OP process, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts and supply capabilities.
• Translate sales forecasts into actionable production and inventory plans.
• Collaborate with Operations, Sales, Procurement, Engineering, and Finance teams to balance supply and demand and resolve operational constraints.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to Production Control and Logistics personnel across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Standardize planning processes and promote best practices throughout the organization.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement initiatives that improve productivity, reduce costs, optimize inventory, and increase operational performance.
• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and strategic supply chain improvement projects.
• Develop reports and dashboards to measure inventory, production, service, and operational performance.
• Monitor key supply chain metrics and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Utilize advanced Excel and analytical tools to extract, interpret, and present business insights.
• Influence decision-making through data-driven analysis and effective communication.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Materials Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Production Planning, Inventory Control, Materials Management, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing Operations.
• Experience leading production planning or supply chain teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling and master production planning.
• Deep knowledge of inventory management, inventory accuracy, and optimization practices.
• Experience with demand planning and capacity planning in a manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on experience leading or supporting S&OP processes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with a strong analytical mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels.
• Ability to travel up to 25% to manufacturing facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing plants.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems.
• Leverage Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
• Experience leading inventory reduction, cost savings, and process improvement initiatives.
• Background in production control and logistics within a discrete manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive organizational change.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $140,000.00 - $165,000.00/yr. Will update more with specific company benefits!

Work Environment

Hybrid schedule: Monday–Thursday onsite, one remote workday per week. Based in Golden Valley, Minnesota with support for multiple manufacturing locations. Travel includes periodic visits to Wisconsin facilities (approximately 1.5–2 hours from Golden Valley) and quarterly visits to a Pennsylvania facility. Opportunity to work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams in a collaborative, continuous improvement-focused culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.