The Materials Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing the supply chain and materials management processes within a manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling the flow of materials to ensure efficient production, minimize costs, and maintain inventory accuracy. The Materials Manager collaborates closely with various departments to meet production schedules and quality standards.
The Materials Manager is a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and cost-effective operation of the manufacturing facility. Effective materials management directly impacts production efficiency, cost control, and overall customer satisfaction.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Materials Planning and Forecasting:
Develop and execute material planning strategies to meet production demands and customer orders
Forecast material requirements based on production schedules, historical data, and market trends
Continuously monitor and adjust inventory levels to prevent shortages or excesses
Supplier Management:
Support the identification, evaluation, and selection of suppliers/vendors based on synergies at plant, quality, cost, and delivery performance. Together with Product Management, BU/Corp sourcing team
Support the negotiation of contracts, terms, and agreements with suppliers to ensure favorable terms and conditions. Support the team in tracking performance as a person inside the plant's four walls each day
Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and drive supplier performance improvement
Inventory Control:
Implement inventory control strategies to minimize carrying costs while ensuring materials availability
Conduct regular inventory audits and cycle counts to maintain accuracy and identify discrepancies
Develop and manage material replenishment systems, such as Just-In-Time (JIT) and Kanban
Production Scheduling:
Collaborate with production managers to create and maintain production schedules that align with material availability
Monitor and adjust schedules as needed to address changes in demand or supply constraints
Logistics and Transportation:
Manage and coordinate the movement of materials, including shipping, receiving, and internal material transfers
Optimize transportation methods to minimize costs and ensure on-time deliveries
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and safety standards
Cost Management:
Analyze cost data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvements
Implement cost-effective strategies for material procurement, storage, and handling
Team Leadership:
Lead a team of materials and logistics professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback
Foster a collaborative and efficient working environment within the materials department
Continuous Improvement:
Identify and implement process improvements and best practices to enhance materials management efficiency
Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
Lead projects to support OTIF improvement across production lines, managing projects and timelines
Quality Assurance:
Ensure that materials meet quality standards and specifications, collaborating with quality control teams as needed
Develop and enforce quality control processes within materials management
Reporting and Documentation:
Maintain accurate records of inventory levels, transactions, and supplier performance
Generate reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess materials management performance
QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
3-5 years of experience in materials management in a manufacturing environment
Strong knowledge of supply chain management principles, inventory control, and logistics
Proficiency in using materials management software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (i.e. JDE)
Strong technical acumen including, MS Office Suite (advanced), and PowerBI
Strong background in streamlining processes and increasing productivity
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Leadership and team management skills
Attention to detail and a commitment to quality
Relevant certifications (e.g., APICS, CSCP) is a plus