Materials Manager

Essex Solutions creates innovative magnet wire solutions that power our customers’ success. With more than a century of excellence, we are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and a diverse, inclusive workplace.

About the role

The Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing, optimizing, and maintaining the integrity of all raw materials, finished enamels and varnishes inventory across the chemical processing plant of Essex Solutions North America. This role balances strategic supply chain planning with rigorous, hands-on operational oversight to ensure zero production downtime while strictly adhering to safety, regulatory (OSHA, EPA, EU-RoHS, REACH, TSCA, CEPA, POPs, etc.), and ISO 9001:2015 quality standards to maintain inventory accuracy and support financial and customer-service objectives. The manager drives cross-functional coordination with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to optimize operations and meet business targets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the master chemical production schedule to supply materials to all North American magnet wire plants based on demand forecasts, customer orders, and capacity constraints.
• Monitor schedule adherence and proactively adjust plans to resolve constraints or disruptions.
• Lead and manage the plant's perpetual inventory system within the ERP software.
• Establish, execute, and reconcile a rigorous cycle counting program while maintaining >99% inventory accuracy.
• Investigate, identify, and correct the root causes of inventory discrepancies, material variances, and yield losses in the production process.
• Establish and track material shelf-life and expiration dates, enforcing strict First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) rotation.
• Define and maintain optimal inventory parameters, including safety stocks and reorder points, based on historical usage and production forecasts.
• Collaborate closely with Procurement, Magnet Wire Production Scheduling, and Logistics to prevent raw material stockouts and manage lead-time volatility.
• Identify, isolate, and develop disposition plans for slow-moving, obsolete, or non-conforming (quarantined) chemical inventories.
• Ensure all chemical storage complies with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Partner with the EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) team to ensure precise segregation of incompatible chemicals and compliance with maximum allowable quantities (MAQs).
• Maintain flawless documentation for chemical traceability, lot tracking, and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) records for all incoming raw materials.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of shipping/receiving clerks, material handlers, and warehouse personnel.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma) to optimize warehouse space utilization, reduce material handling steps, and minimize chemical waste.
• Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Inventory Turnover, Carrying Costs, Stockout Rates, and Cycle Count Accuracy.
• Foster accountability, operational discipline, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or related technical field; APICS/CPIM/CSCP preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in production planning, inventory control, warehouse management, or manufacturing operations, including at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and production workflows; knowledge of GHS labeling, SDS, and regulatory compliance of hazardous materials desired.
• Familiarity with lean principles, problem solving, and continuous improvement tools. Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced changing environment and effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.