Materials Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Own and maintain inventory accuracy across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods and lead quarterly inventory.
• Establish, monitor, and enforce inventory control standards to consistently achieve AOP accuracy.
• Lead cycle count programs, investigate variances, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyze inventory trends to reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving materials while supporting production needs.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and timely movement of materials from warehouse locations to production.
• Carefully coordinate with Production, Planning, and Purchasing to support daily manufacturing requirements.
• Maintain proper staging and line side inventory levels to prevent production delays or shortages.
• Develop and improve material handling processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance workplace safety.
• Enforce First In, First Out (FIFO) practices for all applicable materials and finished goods.
• Design and maintain warehouse layouts, labeling, racking, and storage locations to support FIFO execution.
• Conduct routine audits and correct non-compliant FIFO practices in warehouse and production areas.
• Oversee daily warehouse activities including receiving, put away, storage, picking, issuing, and shipping.
• Ensure materials are properly identified, labeled, and stored according to company standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse aligned with OSHA and company safety policies.
• Lead warehouse staffing, training, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations related to shipping, receiving, and transportation of materials.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound truck schedules to support production and customer delivery.
• Verify accurate documentation, load securement, and trailer condition prior to shipment.
• Partner with carriers, drivers, and internal teams to ensure safe operations and efficient dock utilization.
• Ensure safe operation, inspection, and upkeep of all forklifts and clamp trucks.
• Enforce operator training, certification, and refresher requirements.
• Partner with Maintenance and Safety teams to schedule preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
• Promote a strong safety culture by identifying hazards, addressing unsafe behaviors, and driving continuous improvement in material handling safety.
• Ensure all material movements are accurately and timely transacted in Microsoft Dynamics AX.
• Train and hold teams accountable for system discipline related to receiving, issuing, transfers, and adjustments.
• Collaborate with IT and Finance to resolve system issues and improve data integrity.
• Leverage AX data for reporting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cross functionally collaborate with Production, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, and Supply Chain to align material strategies.
• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate inventory records, and documentation.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory control and material flow.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or a related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in materials management, inventory control, or warehouse operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory accuracy, FIFO principles, and end to end material flow.
• Hands on experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX or other similar ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel skills are required.
• Proven leadership experience managing warehouse or materials teams.
• Working knowledge of DOT requirements and material handling safety regulations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, high attention to detail and process discipline.
• Excellent communication and cross functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Leverage Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong commitment to safety and compliance.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing and warehouse environment.
• Regular standing, walking, and interaction with material handling equipment.
• Occasional lifting and extended hours to support production schedules.
• Exposure to forklifts, clamp trucks, dock operations, and truck traffic.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation.
• Tuition reimbursement for professional certifications and degree programs.