Position SummaryThe Materials Manager is responsible for leading all materials planning, purchasing, inventory control, stockroom operations, and inbound supply chain activities for the Kennesaw Controls Solutions business. This role plays a critical part in ensuring uninterrupted material availability while balancing inventory investment, supplier performance, and customer delivery requirements.
Reporting into site Plant Manager, the Materials Manager leads a team of buyers, planners, supervisors, and stockroom personnel while partnering closely with Production, Engineering, Sales, Project Management, Sourcing, and Corporate Procurement. The successful candidate will leverage ERP/MRP systems, forecasting tools, and data analysis to drive material availability, improve inventory performance, support S&OP processes, and develop long-term supply chain strategies.
This role requires a hands-on supply chain leader who can analyze complex problems, make data-driven decisions, influence stakeholders across multiple functions, and continuously improve planning and procurement processes.
As A Materials Manager, You Will:- Lead all materials management, purchasing, planning, inventory control, stockroom, and inbound logistics activities for the Kennesaw facility.
- Manage and develop a team of approximately 13 employees, including buyers, planners, supervisors, and stockroom personnel.
- Serve as the primary site leader for materials planning and inventory strategy, ensuring uninterrupted supply to support customer demand and production requirements.
- Partner with Production, Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to align material planning activities with business objectives.
- Utilize Oracle and other ERP/MRP systems to manage demand planning, supply planning, inventory optimization, and material flow.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory turns, forecast accuracy, customer service levels, supplier performance, and overall supply chain efficiency.
- Work closely with the S&OP organization to support demand planning, forecast reviews, capacity discussions, and long-range planning activities.
- Collaborate with Corporate Procurement and Global Sourcing teams to support supplier strategies, cost containment initiatives, inflation mitigation efforts, and supplier performance improvement.
- Manage supplier relationships across domestic, international, and intercompany suppliers, including manufacturing operations in Mexico and Italy.
- Analyze material requirements, supplier constraints, inventory trends, and operational risks to proactively prevent production disruptions.
- Lead efforts to reduce excess and obsolete inventory while maintaining appropriate service levels.
- Support and develop Kanban, pull systems, consignment programs, and other lean material replenishment strategies.
- Monitor and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs), including inventory turns, supplier delivery performance, material shortages, backlog reduction, forecast attainment, and customer service metrics.
- Present material planning strategies, business updates, and performance metrics to site and senior leadership teams.
Required Education, Experience & Skills- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of experience in materials management, production planning, supply chain, inventory management, purchasing, or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading teams within purchasing, planning, materials management, inventory control, or supply chain operations.
- Strong experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems for supply planning, inventory management, forecasting, and procurement activities.
- Working knowledge of Oracle, SAP, JD Edwards, Infor, or similar ERP platforms.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed business decisions.
- Experience supporting Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or demand planning processes.
- Experience working cross-functionally with operations, manufacturing, procurement, engineering, and supplier partners.
- Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
- Legal work authorization in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Ability to travel approximately 5%.
Preferred Education, Experience & Skills- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), APICS CPIM, CSCP, or similar supply chain certification.
- Experience leading materials organizations within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Experience with Oracle ERP systems.
- Experience implementing planning improvements, inventory optimization initiatives, Kanban replenishment systems, or lean materials management processes.
- Experience managing global supplier relationships and intercompany supply networks.
- Demonstrated success improving inventory turns, reducing shortages, minimizing excess inventory, and enhancing supplier performance.
Location and Onsite Presence: This position is primarily onsite at our manufacturing facility located at 1065 Big Shanty Road NW in Kennesaw, GA, conveniently located across from Kennesaw State University and just minutes from I-75. As the successful candidate becomes established in the role and demonstrates strong performance, there may be flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement. Any hybrid schedule will be determined based on business needs, job responsibilities, and individual performance.
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