Supply Chain & Materials Operations ManagerLocation: Marietta, Ohio
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $95,000/year (higher compensation available based on experience)
Travel: Up to 20%
Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced
Supply Chain & Materials Operations Manager to lead material planning, purchasing, inventory management, and supplier performance for a manufacturing operation that supports both quick-turn and custom-built projects.
This hands-on leadership role combines strategic supply chain planning with daily operational execution. The ideal candidate will be comfortable leading a Buyer/Planner team, collaborating across departments, and developing supply chain strategies that keep production moving while optimizing inventory investment.
Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Buyer/Planners
- Assign workloads and balance priorities across multiple projects and commodities
- Conduct performance reviews and establish measurable goals
- Mentor team members through cross-training and professional development
- Maintain coverage plans to ensure uninterrupted support
Material Planning & Project Support- Align material availability with active production and project schedules
- Participate in project kickoff meetings to review bills of material and identify long-lead components
- Monitor shortages and lead cross-functional efforts to resolve supply risks
- Partner with project teams to ensure material plans support delivery commitments
- Support fast-turn and custom manufacturing programs through proactive planning
Sales & Demand Planning- Provide material lead-time guidance during the quoting process
- Participate in Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) activities
- Analyze future demand to position strategic inventory and reduce lead-time risk
- Support customer stocking programs, blanket orders, and inventory agreements
Strategic Supply Chain Management- Develop sourcing strategies for critical materials and long-lead components
- Identify supply risks and recommend mitigation plans, including dual sourcing and safety stock strategies
- Execute supplier agreements and purchasing strategies
- Perform make-versus-buy evaluations and support inventory investment decisions
- Monitor market trends that could impact material costs or availability
Inventory & Warehouse Performance- Manage inventory levels, working capital, and material availability
- Drive improvements in inventory turns while supporting production requirements
- Lead excess and obsolete inventory reviews and disposition activities
- Maintain inventory policies including safety stock levels, reorder points, and cycle counting
- Coordinate annual physical inventory activities
Supplier Management- Monitor supplier performance for delivery, quality, responsiveness, and lead times
- Conduct supplier business reviews and implement improvement plans
- Support supplier qualification and corrective action processes
- Assist with pricing agreements, blanket purchase orders, and long-term supplier partnerships
ERP & Data Management- Maintain accurate ERP/MRP planning data, supplier information, and item records
- Ensure procurement and planning activities are executed through ERP systems
- Review planning outputs and resolve system or parameter issues
- Partner with internal teams to improve reporting and planning capabilities
Reporting & Continuous Improvement- Develop supply chain performance dashboards and KPI reports
- Present inventory, supplier, and material availability metrics to leadership
- Lead initiatives focused on process improvement, inventory optimization, and warehouse efficiency
- Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field
- 7+ years of progressive supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
- Minimum of 3 years leading buyers, planners, or purchasing teams
- Experience supporting industrial, electromechanical, electrical equipment, or manufacturing operations
- Advanced knowledge of ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, Infor, IFS, or similar platforms
- Demonstrated success improving inventory performance while maintaining material availability
- Experience managing supplier performance, quality initiatives, and strategic sourcing
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and supply chain reporting
- Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Preferred Qualifications- APICS CPIM or CSCP certification, or ISM C.P.M./CPSM certification
- Experience supporting power distribution or industrial equipment manufacturing
- Knowledge of UL, ANSI, NEMA, NEC, or IEC standards
- Experience developing commodity strategies for electromechanical components
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt certification
- Experience with vendor-managed inventory (VMI), consignment programs, or blanket purchasing agreements
- Familiarity with international sourcing and import compliance
Core Skills- Supply Chain Leadership
- Materials Planning & Procurement
- ERP/MRP Systems
- Inventory Optimization
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Strategic Sourcing
- Demand Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Continuous Improvement
Work Environment- Full-time, on-site position with regular presence on the manufacturing floor, warehouse, and receiving areas
- Exposure to industrial equipment and production operations
- Up to 20% travel for supplier visits, sourcing activities, and industry events
- Ability to participate in physical inventory activities and respond to critical supply chain issues when necessary
