Materials Manager

Materials Manager

Automotive Supplier

Position Title

Materials Manager

Reports To

Plant Manager

Position Summary

The Materials Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling all material management activities to ensure uninterrupted production and on-time customer delivery. This position oversees production scheduling, inventory control, shipping, receiving, warehousing, customer demand management, supplier scheduling, and logistics operations while maintaining inventory accuracy and cost targets.

Key Responsibilities

Materials PlanningScheduling

• Develop and manage production schedules based on customer demand and capacity.
• Ensure raw materials, purchased components, and packaging are available to support production requirements.
• Monitor customer releases, forecasts, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate with production, purchasing, and quality teams to minimize disruptions.

Inventory Management

• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counting and inventory audits.
• Control inventory levels to achieve company targets while preventing stockouts.
• Analyze inventory trends and implement corrective actions for excess or obsolete inventory.
• Manage ERP/MRP system data and inventory transactions.

LogisticsCustomer Service

• Ensure on-time delivery performance to automotive customers.
• Oversee shipping, receiving, warehousing, and transportation activities.
• Coordinate expedited shipments when necessary.
• Monitor freight costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction.

Supplier Management

• Communicate material requirements and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Track supplier performance related to delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Escalate material shortages and develop recovery plans.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop materials, shipping, receiving, warehouse, and inventory control personnel.
• Establish departmental goals and performance metrics.
• Conduct employee coaching, training, and performance evaluations.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive improvements in inventory accuracy, warehouse efficiency, and material flow.
• Participate in customer and third-party audits.
• Lead corrective actions related to material and logistics issues.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of materials management experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and automotive customer requirements.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of inventory control, production planning, and logistics.

• Understanding of automotive standards and customer delivery requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.

• Knowledge of AS/400 basic operations, BPCS software and MRP Pull Systems, with willingness to obtain additional training in these computer applications if needed.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-Time Delivery (OTD)
• Inventory Accuracy
• Inventory Turns/Days on Hand
• Customer Delivery Performance
• Premium Freight Cost
• Supplier Delivery Performance
• Schedule Adherence
• Warehouse Safety Performance

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Occasionally lifts up to 50 pounds and frequently carries up to 30 pounds, standing, and walking throughout the facility.
• Ability to travel occasionally to suppliers, customers, or corporate locations as required.

Typical Automotive Environment: Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier supporting OEM customers with responsibility for customer satisfaction, inventory management, material availability, and continuous improvement of the supply chain.