Supply Chain & Materials Operations ManagerLocation: Marietta, OH
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Compensation: Starting at $95,000 annually, with higher compensation available based on qualifications and experience
Travel: Up to 20% for supplier meetings, sourcing activities, and industry events
Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Supply Chain & Materials Operations Manager to oversee material planning, procurement, inventory performance, and supplier management within a manufacturing environment. This role serves as the primary leader for site-level supply chain activities and is responsible for ensuring materials are available to support production schedules while maintaining inventory efficiency and supplier accountability.
The successful candidate will lead a team of Buyer Planners, partner closely with Operations, Project Management, Sales, Engineering, and Quality teams, and help drive both day-to-day execution and long-term supply chain strategy.
Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & Development- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyer Planners.
- Establish performance goals, conduct evaluations, and support employee growth.
- Balance workloads across projects, commodities, and production demands.
- Promote strong ERP/MRP discipline and data accuracy.
- Support succession planning, cross-training, and professional development initiatives.
Material Planning & Production Support- Ensure material availability aligns with production schedules and customer commitments.
- Participate in project planning activities to identify long-lead materials and supply risks.
- Lead shortage resolution efforts and coordinate cross-functional responses when supply disruptions occur.
- Monitor project demand and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly.
- Support both engineered-to-order and configure-to-order manufacturing environments.
Sales & Demand Planning Collaboration- Provide lead-time guidance and material availability insights during quoting and planning activities.
- Participate in forecasting and Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) discussions.
- Maintain visibility into future demand and proactively position materials to support growth opportunities.
- Assist with customer stocking programs, blanket orders, and inventory agreements.
Strategic Supply Chain Management- Identify critical materials and develop strategies to mitigate supply risks.
- Support sourcing initiatives involving long-lead, high-risk, or single-source components.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, market conditions, and inventory investment opportunities.
- Contribute to make-versus-buy analyses and long-term sourcing decisions.
- Monitor commodity trends, pricing fluctuations, and potential supply disruptions.
Inventory & Working Capital Performance- Oversee inventory management processes, including inventory turns, excess inventory reduction, and stock availability.
- Develop and maintain inventory policies, safety stock levels, reorder points, and planning parameters.
- Lead physical inventory activities and inventory reconciliation efforts.
- Balance inventory investment with operational requirements and production continuity.
Supplier Performance & Relationship Management- Monitor supplier delivery, quality, responsiveness, and overall performance.
- Conduct supplier business reviews and establish improvement plans when necessary.
- Support supplier qualification, corrective actions, and risk mitigation efforts.
- Assist with pricing agreements, long-term contracts, and strategic supplier partnerships.
ERP/MRP Ownership & Process Improvement- Maintain planning data integrity, including item master records, lead times, and planning parameters.
- Ensure procurement and planning activities are executed through ERP/MRP systems.
- Analyze planning outputs and resolve root causes of supply chain issues.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to improve system functionality and reporting capabilities.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement- Develop and present supply chain performance metrics and operational dashboards.
- Track inventory, supplier performance, material availability, and shortage trends.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory optimization, lead-time reduction, and process efficiency.
- Promote lean principles throughout warehouse, receiving, and material handling operations.
Success MeasuresPerformance will be evaluated through metrics such as:
- Inventory turns and working capital performance
- Material availability to production schedules
- Supplier on-time delivery
- Shortage prevention and production continuity
- Excess and obsolete inventory reduction
- Supplier quality performance
- Strategic inventory readiness for critical materials
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of progressive supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Minimum 3 years of leadership experience supervising buyers, planners, or similar supply chain professionals.
- Experience managing procurement, inventory planning, and supplier relationships in industrial manufacturing.
- Strong 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 developing supplier performance programs and managing corrective action initiatives.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting capabilities.
Preferred- APICS CPIM, CSCP, CPSM, C.P.M., or related certifications.
- Experience supporting electrical, electromechanical, or industrial equipment manufacturing.
- Knowledge of supplier qualification processes and industry compliance standards.
- Experience with commodity management, sourcing strategies, and inventory optimization programs.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
- Experience managing domestic and international suppliers.
Core Competencies- Supply Chain Leadership
- Strategic Sourcing & Risk Management
- Inventory Optimization
- ERP/MRP Systems Expertise
- Supplier Development
- Demand Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Continuous Improvement
- Cost Management
- Executive-Level Reporting & Communication
Work Environment- On-site position; remote or hybrid work is not available.
- Frequent interaction with production, warehouse, and receiving operations.
- Exposure to industrial manufacturing environments, equipment, and moderate noise levels.
- Up to 20% travel for supplier visits, sourcing reviews, and industry events.
- Occasional availability outside standard business hours may be required to support critical supply chain issues.
- Ability to walk manufacturing facilities and participate in inventory-related activities.
Benefits- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
