Illinois Tool Works

Materials Manager - Precision Welding Solutions

Illinois Tool Works • $95K — $115K *
Appleton, WI 54915In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of leadership experience in supply chain or materials management
  • Proven track record in people development and team leadership
  • Strong analytical skills with a focus on category-specific business trends
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office and ERP systems

Responsibilities

  • Lead global procurement and supply chain activities involving $70 million in spend
  • Proactively manage supplier risks and resolve critical supply issues
  • Build and manage strategic supplier relationships and contracts
  • Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives
  • Present key materials trends and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual supply forecasts

Benefits

  • Opportunities for personal and professional development
  • Collaborative and inclusive work culture
  • Impactful role within a leading organization in precision welding solutions
  • Focus on both strategic sourcing and operational efficiency
  • Access to advanced tools and processes to drive sourcing excellence
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Are you an experienced people leader within Materials or Supply Chain that is looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

As the Materials Manager at Miller Electric's Precision Welding Solutions Division, you will spearhead the development and performance of all global procurement and supply chain activities, managing approximately $70 million in direct and indirect spend. You will lead procurement and supply chain operations, driving both short-term and long-term initiatives with a focus on strategic sourcing. Your expertise will ensure our new product development remains competitive through meticulous evaluation of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

In this pivotal role, you will lead and mentor a team of high-performing exempt-level professionals, coaching and developing them to achieve success. Your efforts will significantly impact the division, as you collaborate closely with Suppliers, Engineering, Operations, and the Sourcing Category Manager to create synergies that propel our business forward.

How you will make an impact:

Supplier & Supply Chain Leadership
  • Ensure supply chain continuity by proactively managing supplier risks, resolving critical supply issues, and communicating impacts across the division.
  • Build strategic supplier relationships, manage contracts, address pricing actions, and lead supplier performance through QBRs and development initiatives.
  • Drive sourcing savings, supplier quality improvements, and execution of category strategies aligned with division and segment objectives.
  • Partner cross-functionally to support MRD continuity, S&OP, NPD initiatives, and insource/outsource decisions that optimize cost, quality, and service.


Strategic Sourcing & Business Planning
  • Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with division, segment, and enterprise objectives.
  • Partner with Engineering and Category Managers throughout the NPD process, ensuring early sourcing involvement and successful product launches.
  • Lead cross-functional planning activities including S&OP, LRP, and Annual Planning to align supply, demand, inventory, and business objectives.
  • Drive sourcing process excellence through standard tools, purchasing process improvements, supplier development, and cost optimization initiatives.


Risk Management
  • Manage supply risk analysis for multiple locations working with internal/external teams to validate raw material alternatives to maintain supply and offset price increases.
  • Monitoring and ownership of KPIs: MOH (months on hand) and inventory grading risk for raw materials as well as cycle counts, PPV.
  • Present key materials trends, issues, and inflation & deflation forecast to the Division to manage monthly, quarterly, and annual outlook.
  • Accountable for inventory control; including reorder points, safety stock and lead times
  • Ensure all SOP's, ISO Documentation and Audit Records are up to date


People Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Materials & Supply Chain team through talent assessment, succession planning, performance management, and Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
  • Foster an inclusive culture by providing candid feedback, building leadership capabilities, and driving accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead organizational change and strengthen cross-functional influence, business acumen, and strategic thinking across the team.


What you need to do to be successful in this role:
  • Driven to make a positive impact: Self-starter, conscientious, detail-oriented, enthusiastic with a positive attitude and able to work with ambiguity. Able to work effectively and efficiently under tight timelines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Leadership Development: Ability to develop leaders, assess talent, drive succession planning, and create growth opportunities for team members.
  • People leadership and drive accountability: Empower team members to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute to strategic goals.
  • Negotiate and Influence: Strong change management and influencing skills, with the ability to lead initiatives across functions without direct authority.
  • Analysis: Understand category-specific business, technology, and market trends. Ability to understand supply market and alternative/competitive products within the industry.
  • Strategy: Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution while developing a high-performing team.
  • Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written skills both business and technical nature with strong presentation skills.
  • Build collaborative relationships: Ability to identify, assess and execute savings initiatives beyond the traditional Raw Material price negotiations (e.g., Value Analysis/Value Engineering) and to successfully work cross-functionally (primarily engineering) to get these projects completed.
  • Business Acumen: Ability to understand financial concepts, invoicing, accounts payable, and other financial business processes. Interprets financial data, analyzes cost structures, and determines financial impacts of decisions. Ability to understand the NPD tollgate framework


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Ops Management, Supply Chain Management, Business or equivalent
  • 5+ years' experience in leading a team of direct reports and track record of people development
  • Strong Microsoft Office and ERP-system skills required.

About Illinois Tool Works

ITW is an industrial manufacturing company that specializes in the fields of industrial machinery, engineering, operations, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. It's in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which they live and work, the cars they drive, and the mobile devices they rely on. It was founded in 1912 and headquartered in Glenview Nas, Illinois.

Illinois Tool Works Careers

Join the dynamic team at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global leader in diversified manufacturing, where innovation and excellence drive us forward. ITW offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and leadership in the industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Illinois Tool Works, you will be part of a professional community that thrives on creativity and innovation. Our employees are equipped with the skills needed to succeed and are provided with endless opportunities for professional growth. Engage in work that matters, with projects that transform industries and enhance futures.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a seasoned professional position, ITW offers a range of career paths across various departments. Our team benefits from a supportive and diverse working environment where every member’s contribution is valued.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation leads to revolutionary solutions in industries worldwide. At ITW, you will work alongside industry experts to develop new ideas and strategies that keep us at the forefront of technological advancements. Your career at ITW will be marked by a continuous journey of growth and leadership.

Develop Your Skills

With ITW’s commitment to professional development and diversity training, you will enhance your skills through targeted training programs and workshops. These opportunities not only boost your career but also ensure you stay competitive in the job market.

Be Part of Our Culture

ITW is dedicated to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and fosters leadership. Our team is our greatest asset, and we believe in providing them with the benefits and resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Networking and Professional Growth

Expand your professional network through ITW’s global presence and collaborative work environment. Engage with professionals across different sectors, gaining insights that can lead to significant career advancements. Our networking events and professional groups help you connect with key industry leaders and peers.

Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on the ITW Careers page. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, company news, and career tips by following our careers blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences and career goals. Explore the opportunities at Illinois Tool Works today and discover how your expertise can help shape the future of our company and the industries we serve. Join us in our mission to achieve excellence through innovation and leadership.
Learn more about Illinois Tool Works
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$68.1 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$2.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$12.5 billion
NASDAQ
ITW
* Ladders Estimates

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