Materials Manager
Position Summary
The Materials Manager is responsible for leading all material planning, transportation, inventory management, receiving, shipping, and material handling activities within the plant. This role ensures uninterrupted production flow through effective materials management while achieving inventory, freight, delivery, and cost performance objectives. The Materials Manager is accountable for department KPIs, supplier performance, customer satisfaction, compliance with quality standards, and the efficient management of personnel, processes, and resources.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Materials Planning & Inventory Management
- Establish and maintain database parameters for Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and related production planning systems.
- Manage and maintain the Bill of Materials (BOM) database, including engineering changes, effective date implementation, and new product launches.
- Monitor and optimize inventory levels to support production requirements while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
- Analyze inventory trends and submit obsolescence claims when appropriate.
- Develop and manage annual inventory and freight budgets in alignment with company profit objectives.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all materials-related records and inventory transactions.
Supplier Management
- Monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, packaging, and service requirements.
- Document and report supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery, shipment accuracy, packaging compliance, and corrective actions.
- Coordinate supplier-related corrective action activities and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain strong supplier relationships to support operational and customer requirements.
Logistics, Transportation & Customer Service
- Oversee inbound and outbound transportation operations to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
- Manage customer schedule fluctuations and coordinate recovery plans for premium freight costs when applicable.
- Develop and implement strategies to reduce transportation, packaging, material handling, and inventory costs.
- Maintain excellent customer relationships through consistent delivery performance and effective communication.
- Monitor daily transportation metrics, including truckload performance and freight efficiency.
Receiving, Shipping & Materials Operations
- Establish and maintain standardized procedures, documentation, and controls for receiving, shipping, storage, and material movement activities.
- Ensure accurate reporting and resolution of receiving discrepancies.
- Maintain effective control of customer shipments and related documentation.
- Oversee returnable container management, including tracking, damage reporting, repairs, and inventory control.
- Ensure materials are stored and handled in accordance with operational and safety requirements.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach, and develop Materials Floor Supervisors, material handlers, and other assigned personnel.
- Conduct performance evaluations and support employee training and development programs.
- Establish departmental goals, action plans, and performance expectations.
- Monitor departmental productivity and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce indirect labor costs.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable BOS, IATF, company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure safe operation, maintenance, and inspection of all material handling equipment.
- Verify timely licensing, certification, and training requirements for employees operating material handling equipment.
- Maintain storage, racking, warehouse, dock, and material handling safety standards.
- Document safety incidents, property damage occurrences, and corrective actions.
- Oversee maintenance and evaluation of all material handling and dock equipment.
Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
- Develop, track, and report weekly and monthly Materials Department KPIs.
- Measure and analyze department performance against established goals.
- Monitor production downtime related to material handling and replenishment processes and implement corrective actions to reduce disruptions.
- Lead cost reduction initiatives focused on freight, packaging, material handling, inventory optimization, and departmental expenses.
- Drive continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational efficiency, service levels, and overall supply chain performance.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing operations.
- Previous leadership experience managing supervisors and hourly employees.
- Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, inventory management, production planning, and logistics operations.
- Experience in automotive manufacturing and familiarity with IATF 16949 requirements preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.
