Cascade Engineering

Senior Materials Manager

Cascade Engineering$87K — $131K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related field, or high school diploma with 10+ years of experience
  • Minimum of 5 years in materials management or related supply chain roles
  • Demonstrated experience with ERP systems (QAD or equivalent)
  • Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
  • Strong analytical skills with data interpretation capability
  • Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration
  • High proficiency in Microsoft 365, especially advanced Excel skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead execution and improvement of material planning and supply chain processes
  • Standardize material flow for improved efficiency and visibility
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to align supply with production needs
  • Oversee warehouse and logistics operations to ensure timely deliveries
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives in logistics and inventory
  • Monitor and enhance inventory management practices and KPIs
  • Lead and mentor the supply chain team for enhanced performance

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)
  • 401K with match - Starting on Day 1
  • Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Quarterly Bonus Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability (Company Paid)
  • Onsite Medical Clinic
Full Job Description
Description

Scope of Responsibility

Own the flow of everything! This role is all about keeping materials moving, teams aligned, and performance climbing. As our Senior Materials Manager, you'll lead inventory, scheduling, and logistics across the business while driving smarter processes, stronger results, and a more efficient supply chain every day. You'll partner cross-functionally, turn data into action, and standardize how work gets done across our facilities.

Grounded in the principles of the 7 Habits and a servant leadership mindset, you'll build and develop a high-performing team, strengthen relationships across the organization, and lead with integrity while continuously improving how we operate.

Location: West Plant at 5055 36th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49512

Target Pay: The target starting base salary for this position is $87,663,000.00 - $131,813.00 / year (plus quarterly bonus incentive). Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Cascade Engineering considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

What You'll Be Doing

Materials Management
  • Lead the execution and continuous improvement of material planning, scheduling, and supplier release processes across the organization
  • Standardize material flow processes across the organization to improve efficiency, visibility, and consistency
  • Partner with Purchasing, Operations, and Demand/Capacity Planning to ensure alignment of supply with customer requirements and production needs
  • Support and influence capacity planning activities to ensure material readiness and mitigate supply constraints
  • Promote organizational alignment by effectively communicating customer requirements and supply chain priorities across cross-functional teams
  • Drive adoption of PFEP (Plan for Every Part) in collaboration with CES (Cascade Enterprise Systems/Lean Management)


Logistics and Warehousing
  • Oversee warehouse, shipping, and logistics operations to ensure efficient product flow and on-time delivery to customers
  • Drive performance against key logistics metrics, including on-time delivery and ASN accuracy
  • Support the implementation and optimization of TMS, WMS, and ERP systems to enhance logistics efficiency and visibility
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve complex operational challenges and improve overall service performance
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance throughput, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction


Inventory Control
  • Oversee inventory control processes and ensure accuracy, integrity, and alignment with organizational needs
  • Drive standardization of inventory management practices, including ABC classification and cycle counting processes
  • Monitor and improve inventory-related KPIs, including inventory accuracy, turns, and overall performance metrics
  • Minimize inventory write-offs through improved controls, proactive management, and cross-functional collaboration
  • Utilize data analysis to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities related to inventory performance


Leadership, Performance and Continuous Improvement
  • Own and report materials and supply chain KPIs in leadership forums; drive accountability and performance improvement initiatives
  • Lead, mentor, and develop supply chain team members, building organizational capability and bench strength
  • Provide training and guidance across materials, inventory, and scheduling functions to strengthen execution consistency
  • Lead and support supply chain improvement initiatives, using data-driven insights to deliver measurable results
  • Actively contributes to cross-functional projects by providing analysis, reporting, and subject matter expertise
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment focused on operational excellence and customer service
  • Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support business objectives


Culture Bearer
  • Understands and supports the values of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)
  • Exhibits high moral and ethical standards and high integrity
  • Values people regardless of their background
  • Exhibits the traits of a servant leader
  • Exhibit the principles of 7 Habits and Emotional Intelligence
  • Encourages open dialogue and communication
  • Develops high trust relationships within all levels of the organization
  • Pursues Excellence


Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or capacity planning; OR high school diploma with 10+ years of directly related experience
  • Demonstrated experience working within ERP systems (QAD or equivalent), with strong understanding of materials planning, inventory control, and supply chain processes
  • Proven ability to lead and develop teams, with a track record of driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
  • Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable solutions
  • Experience managing and improving key supply chain metrics, including inventory accuracy, on-time delivery, and material flow efficiency
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams
  • High level of proficiency in Microsoft 365, including advanced Excel skills (data analysis, reporting, and KPI tracking)
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage complex operational challenges in a fast-paced environment


Preferred
  • Master's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field
  • APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent professional certification
  • Experience implementing or optimizing ERP, WMS, or TMS systems
  • Background in Lean principles or continuous improvement methodologies (PFEP, Kaizen, Six Sigma, etc.)
  • Experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment


Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)
  • 401K with match - Starting on Day 1
  • Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Quarterly Bonus Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability (Company Paid)
  • Onsite Medical Clinic


Perks
  • Weekly Pay
  • Childcare Assistance (Tri-Share)
  • Flexible Hours & Scheduling
  • Attendance Recognition Program
  • Voucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety Glasses
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • Employee Referral & Retention Bonus Program
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Uniforms / T-shirts
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • Smoking Cessation Products and Programs

About Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering is a manufacturing company that produces a variety of products, including automotive parts, recycling containers, and renewable energy systems. The company was founded in 1973 by Fred Keller and has since grown to become a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices. Cascade Engineering is committed to social and environmental responsibility, and has received numerous awards for its efforts in these areas. The company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has additional locations in Michigan, North Carolina, and Europe.
Learn more about Cascade Engineering
Size
1,500 employees
Industry
Founded
1973

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