Materials Manager - ManufacturingLocation: Newark, NJ
Salary: $95,000-$120,000
We are seeking an experienced Materials Manager to oversee raw materials, finished goods, inventory, shipping/receiving, and material flow within a manufacturing facility. This position will work closely with Production, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, and distributors to ensure materials are available when needed and operations run efficiently.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience in materials management, warehouse operations, inventory control, scheduling, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities- Manage raw materials, finished goods, inventory, and material flow throughout the facility.
- Oversee a team of 5-15 employees supporting forklift operations, inbound/outbound shipments, cycle counts, scheduling, and material ordering.
- Coordinate incoming and outgoing deliveries and work closely with trucking vendors, distributors, and suppliers.
- Ensure accurate inventory levels, physical counts, expediting, and bill of materials.
- Partner daily with Production and Operations to identify material or scheduling issues and implement solutions.
- Adjust staffing, shift schedules, and overtime requirements based on production demand.
- Monitor department performance related to safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
- Investigate shipping errors and implement corrective/preventive actions.
- Manage employee attendance, performance, coaching, and minor employee relations issues.
- Develop and maintain work instructions and ensure consistent work processes.
- Ensure compliance with DOT, customs, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste in accordance with regulations.
- Participate in and lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on material flow, throughput, quality, and productivity.
- Maintain strong working relationships with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, contractors, and distributors.
- Be a hands-on leader who regularly works on the floor with employees and cross-functional teams.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree required.
- 5-10 years of relevant manufacturing experience, preferably in materials management, warehouse management, or the paint/coatings industry.
- Experience managing incoming/outgoing materials and finished goods.
- Previous leadership experience overseeing employees in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
- Experience with inventory management, physical counts, expediting, and bills of materials.
- SAP experience strongly preferred.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Microsoft Project.
- Experience working with vendors, trucking companies, contractors, and fleet drivers.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with both salaried and hourly employees.
- Lean Manufacturing/Continuous Improvement experience.
- Hands-on leadership style with the ability to work independently while driving team goals.
