Materials Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Materials Manager oversees material planning, inventory, logistics, purchasing coordination, warehousing, and supply chain activities to ensure uninterrupted production and customer fulfillment.

This role works cross-functionally with Operations, Production, Customer Service, Finance, Purchasing, and suppliers to optimize inventory, improve logistics performance, reduce costs, and support business growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Materials & Inventory Management
• Develop material planning strategies to support production and customer demand
• Monitor inventory levels and optimize stock availability
• Forecast demand and analyze inventory trends
• Minimize excess and obsolete inventory
• Lead cycle count programs and maintain inventory accuracy
• Establish and track inventory performance metrics

Domestic & International Logistics
• Manage inbound and outbound domestic transportation
• Coordinate international imports and exports
• Ensure compliance with customs, trade, and shipping requirements
• Manage relationships with carriers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers
• Monitor freight costs and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Resolve transportation and logistics issues
• Track and improve on-time delivery and shipping performance

Supplier & Supply Chain Management
• Partner with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to ensure material availability
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and address supply chain risks
• Support sourcing, supplier development, and cost-reduction initiatives
• Develop contingency plans for critical materials and potential supply disruptions

Warehouse & Team Leadership
• Oversee warehouse operations, receiving, storage, material handling, and shipping
• Ensure safe and efficient material storage and handling
• Implement processes to improve warehouse productivity and accuracy
• Maintain compliance with safety policies and regulatory requirements
• Lead, coach, and develop materials, inventory, warehouse, and logistics employees
• Establish departmental goals and performance expectations

Continuous Improvement
• Drive improvements in inventory management, logistics, and operational efficiency
• Support ERP/MRP system optimization and process improvements
• Develop reports and provide data-driven recommendations to leadership

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Logistics, or related field
• 2–5 years of experience in logistics or supply chain
• Experience managing domestic and international transportation
• Manufacturing experience required
• Supervisory or management experience required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in materials management, logistics, supply chain, or inventory management
• Experience managing domestic and international transportation operations
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of inventory management and material planning
• Knowledge of import/export regulations, customs, and international shipping
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to negotiate with suppliers, carriers, and logistics providers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and supply chain reporting tools
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment