Job DescriptionThe Materials Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end materials planning function to ensure optimal inventory levels, uninterrupted production, and alignment with customer demand. This role drives strategic planning initiatives, improves supply chain performance, and partners cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, Sales, and Finance to balance service, cost, and working capital.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and develop the materials planning team across multiple sites.
- Own portions of the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) materials alignment to ensure supply meets demand.
- Establish and manage inventory strategies, including safety stock, reorder points, and lead time optimization.
- Drive continuous improvement in material flow, inventory accuracy, and planning processes.
- Partner with Procurement to ensure supplier performance meets service, cost, and lead-time expectations.
- Work with Finance to establish plant-level production budgets aligned with demand forecasts, capacity constraints, and cost targets.
- Coordinate with Operations to align production schedules with material availability.
- Analyze demand variability and implement mitigation strategies to minimize stockouts and excess inventory.
- Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as, service levels, forecast accuracy, and obsolescence.
- Lead capacity and constraint planning related to materials availability.
- Ensure ERP/MRP system integrity and drive enhancements to planning tools and processes.
- Support new product launches, transitions, and discontinuations from a materials perspective.
- Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to reduce spoilage, excess, and obsolete inventory.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field (MBA preferred).
- 8-12+ years of experience in materials planning, supply chain, or operations within a manufacturing environment.
- 3-5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and/or multi-site responsibilities.
- Strong expertise in MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards).
- Proven ability to lead S&OP or integrated business planning processes.
- Deep understanding of inventory management, demand planning, and supply planning concepts.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership abilities.
