Materials Manager - Centralia, MO

Job Overview

The Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing all materials and inventory levels within the organization managing the global supply chain, including inventory management, purchasing, material planning, and scheduling. This role is essential for developing annual inventory and service plans and monthly forecasts to ensure timely availability of materials at optimal costs, supporting production and operational success.

This position is crucial for maintaining the flow of materials necessary for efficient operations. By overseeing the entire lifecycle of materials—from procurement to distribution and disposal—the Materials Manager ensures that materials are available when needed, contributing significantly to the organization’s efficiency and profitability. This strategic role helps streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity through effective material usage and strong supplier relationships.

The Materials Manager will report directly to the Plant Manager and will be responsible for establishing best practices and implementing a robust materials management system. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth comprehensive knowledge of management systems and business processes, along with strong communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
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A Day In The Life

Supply Chain Oversight: Manage all aspects of supply chain management, inventory management, purchasing, material planning and scheduling, ensuring efficient material flow in and out of the facility at optimal inventory levels.

Forecasting Leadership: Lead monthly Production, Sales, and Inventory (PSI) forecasts to align material availability with business needs. Provide guidance and facilitation of sales & marketing with centralized demand planning and inventory optimization monthly reviews inclusive of MTS/MTO FG and sub level components. Ensure alignment across cross functional Operations, Finance and materials to deliver one forecast.

Cost Management: Support actions and drive material cost reductions in conjunction with strategic sourcing and advanced engineering manufacturing teams.  

Shortage Prevention: Identify and develop strategies to minimize component shortages and ensure continuous supply while optimizing inventory.

Corporate Collaboration: Utilize corporate purchasing resources to leverage buying power, reduce lead times, and lower costs on major commodities.

Performance Monitoring: Track and improve key performance indicators related to inventory, internal and customer on time service, past due, lead time, and supplier performance.

Standard Procedures Development: Implement and oversee site standard work procedures that align with corporate guidelines and health metrics.

Physical Inventory: Direct annual physical inventory processes, account for variances. Ensure team is fully trained to support end-to-end physical inventory activities.

Reporting: Present timely and thorough inventory, internal and customer on time service, past due and supplier performance updates along with strategic plans to management.

Procurement Strategy: Develop and maintain procurement strategies that balance quality, cost, and supply continuity.

Supplier Management: Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and manage day to day disciplines in a timely manner while also maintaining alignment as Corporate negotiates contracts and managing disputes to ensure timely delivery.

Customer Priorities: Align and work closely with Customer service to meet the needs and priorities of our customers.

Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the materials management team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Cross-Department Collaboration: Work with production, finance, corporate materials, corporate sourcing and quality control teams to meet material requirements and optimize inventory management.

Technology Integration: Leverage existing technologies for effective materials management and collaborate with corporate teams to implement solutions.

Training and Development: Train and onboard new materials management staff, ensuring they are equipped to meet organizational needs.

What will help you thrive in this role?

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to travel on business-related trips; ability to communicate; ability to work on a personal computer or other related equipment as required; ability to be out in plant operations on a regular basis.

Skills and Experience

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field is essential.
• Experience:
• 5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain management
• Hands-on experience in materials management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, preferably SAP.
• Leadership Experience: minimum 3-5 years of supervisory experience, demonstrating proven leadership and team management skills.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities, including business process analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams, influencing and persuading others.
• Time Management: Proven ability to manage tight deadlines, prioritize workloads, and achieve results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Data Integrity: Strong appreciation for data integrity and adherence to clear process disciplines.
• Presentation Skills: Ability to present information clearly to management and speak confidently to an audience.
• Decision-Making: Good judgment and decision-making skills are essential.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel; knowledge of SharePoint and SAP applications is a plus.
• Procurement Knowledge: In-depth understanding of procurement processes and inventory management systems.
• Supplier Management: Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and manage day to day disciplines in a timely manner while also maintaining alignment as Corporate negotiates contracts and managing disputes to ensure timely delivery.
• Forecasting and Budgeting: Advanced knowledge of forecasting and budgeting processes.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with large teams and cross-functional collaboration.

 LEVEL OF DECISION MAKING:

• Makes business decisions on inventory, scheduling, buying, sourcing practices, and organizational structure under this position
• Changes to material flow inside and outside of facility