Materials Manager

What You'll Do

• Supply Chain & Procurement Leadership
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies that ensure cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and quality performance.
  • Build strong partnerships with suppliers through effective communication, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Lead supplier negotiations, contract management, and risk mitigation activities.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce material costs while maintaining quality and service levels.
• Inventory & Materials Planning
  • Lead inventory planning and materials management processes that support customer demand and production schedules.
  • Optimize inventory levels to improve working capital while maintaining high service levels.
  • Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle counting, physical inventory processes, and effective inventory controls.
  • Analyze demand trends, forecast requirements, and proactively manage material availability.
• Logistics & Distribution
  • Oversee inbound and outbound transportation to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials and finished goods.
  • Partner with transportation providers to improve freight performance, optimize costs, and maintain service excellence.
  • Collaborate with production, planning, customer service, and warehouse teams to improve material flow throughout the operation.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the Materials, Purchasing, Scheduling, and Logistics teams by fostering accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.
  • Build a culture focused on teamwork, customer service, problem-solving, and operational excellence.
  • Establish clear performance expectations and support employee development through coaching and feedback.
• Operational Excellence
  • Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the supply chain.
  • Utilize data and KPIs to identify improvement opportunities and drive measurable results.
  • Improve planning processes, supplier performance, inventory turns, and logistics efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in materials management, purchasing, supply chain, or logistics within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading procurement and inventory management functions.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.