Material Manager

About the role

The Material Control Manager (MCM) is responsible for managing all aspects of Pioneer’s material planning, inventory control, and material flow to support efficient production and on-time customer delivery. This role ensures the accurate receipt, storage, issuance, and tracking of materials while maintaining optimal inventory levels and minimizing shortages, excess stock, and obsolescence.

Core Functions

• Develop data-driven material planning strategies to analyze and manage inventory levels, ensuring optimal material availability while minimizing excess and obsolete stock; continuously refine stocking policies to align with evolving demand forecasts.
• Collaborate with other Pioneer's teams to align material demand / availability, resolve customer complaints related to material accuracy, disposition of slow-moving and obsolete inventory, General Ledger (GL) coding for inventory financial reporting, and ensure awareness of relevant changes to inventory strategies.
• Oversee and administer Pioneer’s inventory control program across all facilities, including but not limited to: Regular inspections of all Pioneer facilities, discuss findings with the site management, and develop appropriate action plans.
• Lead cycle count programs and inventory audits to ensure system and physical inventory alignment
• Authorize and control inventory adjustments for raw materials and finished goods, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements related to material handling.
• Identify and expedite opportunities to build efficiency and consistency across all Pioneer facilities.
• Ensure integrity of inventory item creation and inventory item database.
• Material movements, including bin transfers, put-aways, reallocations, and warehouse transfers.
• Procurement of raw materials, consumables, supplies, equipment, and other items as required.
• Supply chain shipping requirements with customer / industry standards alignment.
• Lead company-wide inventory management initiatives focused on continuous improvement, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Initiatives will include, but not limited to: Standardizing BOMs to ensure accurate inventory relief while maintaining system usability
• Driving reduction of bin location errors through process optimization and accountability measures
• Implementing effective Work In Process (WIP) tracking and performance metrics
• Redesigning and enforcing Pioneer’s standard operating procedures for material receiving, inspection, handling, storage, and issuance to ensure quality compliance and negate WIP findings
• Developing material-related KPIs that enable data-driven decisions and report performance metrics
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all inventory and warehouse operations
• Tracking inbound shipments and resolving discrepancies, shortages, damages, and in-transit issues.
• Directing and managing the processing of Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) for customers and Vendor Return Authorizations (VRAs) with suppliers.
• Organizing, assisting with, and attending on-site and off-site customer visits as needed.
• Managing and developing material control and warehouse personnel (as applicable).

Skill/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, related technical field, or an equivalent work history
• Proven experience managing inventory across multiple facilities or distribution centers
• Strong knowledge of inventory control principles (cycle counting, ABC analysis, safety stock, reorder points)
• Understanding of demand forecasting and capacity planning
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies desired
• Working knowledge of domestic and international shipping regulations and documentation requirements
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
• Good computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft applications, specifically advanced Excel skills
• Demonstrates ability to work at all levels of the Pioneer organization to influence personnel
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis ability
• Excellent organizational and planning skills