Materials Flow Manager

Job Summary

The Materials Flow Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory planning/control, receiving, shipping, storage, and flow of direct and indirect materials for the facility. This role ensures uninterrupted production by aligning material availability with complex, multi-stage tire manufacturing processes while optimizing inventory, cost, and supplier performance. The position oversees the Materials department including all scheduling, receiving, shipping and relevant procurement functions.

Materials Manager

• Manages end-to-end material flow for tire production, including natural/synthetic rubber, carbon black, steel cord, bead wire, and chemical additives, ensuring uninterrupted operations across mixing, extrusion, and curing processes
• Directs inventory control strategies for high-volume, batch-controlled materials, improving inventory accuracy and reducing excess/obsolete stock
• Aligns material requirements with production schedules using MRP/ERP systems, minimizing line stoppages and optimizing throughput
• Develop scheduling systems and procedures to optimize plant throughput and ensure synchronization between all value streams
• Develops team to operate autonomously and have high focus on results
• Oversees procurement and supplier performance for critical raw materials, negotiating relevant pricing and improving on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery
• Mitigates supply chain risks related to volatile raw materials (e.g., natural rubber) through strategic sourcing and safety stock planning
• Leads warehouse and logistics operations for bulk and hazardous materials, improving storage efficiency and material handling processes
• Implements lean and continuous improvement initiatives, reducing material waste, scrap, and production downtime
• Collaborates with Quality and Engineering teams to ensure material compliance, traceability, and successful introduction of new tire products
• Monitors and reported key KPIs including inventory turns, material availability, and production disruptions due to shortages
• Develops and implements internal programs such as communications, training, work simplification, cost reduction and other programs as needed
• Ensures compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations related to chemical handling and storage

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in materials management within a manufacturing environment (tire, rubber, or chemical preferred)
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems
• Experience managing bulk raw materials and complex supply chains

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in tire, rubber, or polymer manufacturing
• APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP)
• Knowledge of rubber compounding processes and material characteristics
• Lean / Six Sigma certification