Senior Manager , Materials

The Manager, Materials is an area business leader responsible for leading and developing the hourly Materials team to ensure reliable material flow in support of production operations. This role partners closely with the Manufacturing and Quality teams to drive safety, quality, delivery and cost performance through lean continuous improvement. The Manager, Materials owns day-to-day material availability and scheduling execution using Oracle EBS, builds a strong problem-solving culture through structured tools and reinforces standard work and visual management. This role also champions a strong safety culture, leads EHS improvement initiatives, ensures materials processes support quality objectives and drives variable cost productivity to achieve plant goals. Position Senior Manager , Materials Location USA, Decatur, AL How You'll Create Possibilities • Coach, lead and develop the hourly Materials team, including team leaders, to ensure reliable material flow in support of production operations and achieve plant goals.  • Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing and Quality to improve safety, ergonomics, scrap, downtime and overall operational performance. • Drive continuous improvement using lean methodologies to reduce waste and improve key business KPIs. • Own day-to-day material availability and scheduling execution, leveraging Oracle EBS to identify, troubleshoot and resolve issues. • Communicate plant and area operational goals clearly to the team and use structured problem-solving tools such as A3s to define problems, track actions and sustain results. • Build a strong problem-solving culture by coaching teams on root cause analysis, prioritization and effective escalation. • Champion the Appliance Production System by reinforcing standard work, visual management and escalation processes while developing Materials team leaders. • Promote a strong safety culture through strict compliance with EHS standards including PPE, safety contacts, safe starts and timely accident investigations with effective corrective actions. • Lead EHS improvement initiatives to reduce OSHA recordables, lost time incidents and improve employee engagement and safety performance metrics. • Ensure materials processes support quality objectives and minimize Cost of Quality. • Drive variable cost productivity by reducing labor, scrap and overtime while improving hours per unit. • Use Oracle data and reports to proactively identify and correct part accuracy, inventory and scheduling issues. What You'll Bring to Our Team • 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, including supplier management and project implementation, with demonstrated technical acumen across supply chain functions such as manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, materials, quality, procurement, and fulfillment and/or be a GE Appliances Supply Chain Development Program or GearUp graduate.  • BS/BA degree preferred, ideally in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, or equivalent. • Six Sigma certification preferred, with strong knowledge of Lean, DMAIC, workout and other change mechanisms. • Demonstrated leadership experience in a unionized manufacturing environment, leading both salaried and hourly teams. • Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional environments to meet operational and customer requirements. • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and execute in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. • Results-driven mindset with demonstrated use of analytical and structured problem-solving methods and consistent follow-through. • Experience leading team-based projects and driving change through influence and collaboration. • Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices. • Strong technical aptitude relevant to materials, manufacturing and supply chain operations. • Effective communication and presentation skills, including clear written and verbal communication at all levels of the organization. • High level of initiative, energy and accountability with a demonstrated ability to develop within a team-based environment. Working Conditions • Working conditions are normal for both an office and manufacturing environment.  • Work may involve lifting materials and products up to 25 pounds.  • Working in the manufacturing environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, work shoes/boots.