Materials Manager

Description The Materials Manager is responsible for supply chain operations consisting of strategic planning, procurement, inventory management, and logistics functions. The role requires reliable, cost-efficient procurement of hardware, mounts, raw materials, resins, glass fibers, and consumables for all manufacturing operations. The goal is to ensures that raw materials, consumables, and finished goods are available to meet production schedules while optimizing cost, quality, and lead times. This position plays a critical role in balancing production flow, working capital, and supplier performance in a technically demanding, highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in advanced materials management, ERP/MRP systems, and compliance traceability while driving continuous improvement across the global supply chain. Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Materials Planning Develop and execute Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) strategies to align with composite production forecasts and growth projections. Work closely with master scheduling to ensure optimal raw material and component availability while minimizing excess inventory. Create annual material forecasts tied to organizational forecasts and growth projections. Lead monthly material forecast meetings with stakeholders to ensure adequate raw material and component availability while minimizing excess inventory. Analyze material usage trends and optimize purchasing strategies. Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering to support material needs for new product development (NPDs). 2. Procurement & Supplier Development Maintain supplier relationships and monitor performance according to defined KPIs. Source and manage supplier relationships for hardware, mounts and other formed materials domestically and internationally. Source and manage supplier relationships for coatings, composite-grade resins, fibers, adhesives, cores, and films. Evaluate suppliers based on quality systems, lot traceability, certifications (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001), and sustainability. Negotiate strategic supply agreements to stabilize pricing and lead times for critical materials with long cure or shelf-life considerations. Drive cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations and process improvements. Implement dual sourcing strategies for strategic, high risk or single-source materials. Partner with R&D and Quality to qualify new materials and suppliers according to customer and regulatory requirements. Maintain redundant suppliers (international and domestic) for key products to minimize disruptions and maintain price competition. Collaborate with Quality to resolve material-related issues. 3. Inventory & Warehouse Management Manage all warehouse operations including receiving, storage, kitting, and distribution of temperature-sensitive materials. Maintain rigorous lot control, shelf-life tracking, and environmental storage compliance (e.g., freezer, humidity, and temperature logs). Oversee cycle counting and physical inventory programs to sustain 98-100% accuracy. Establish optimal safety stocks and reorder points based on usage data and forecast accuracy. 4. Logistics & Compliance Coordinate inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring compliance with hazardous materials (HAZMAT), and customer-specific packaging standards. Create a strategic logistics plan that supports domestic and international outbound freight for all products. Work closely with local and national freight companies to maintain flexibility and cost competitive. Optimize freight cost, mode selection, and carrier performance through data-driven analysis. Oversee transportation for sensitive materials requiring special handling or temperature control. 5. Continuous Improvement & Systems Leadership Drive Lean initiatives to reduce waste, lead time, and working capital. Champion ERP/MRP utilization to improve data accuracy, demand visibility, and material flow. Partner with IS/IT team for the advancement and integration of software, technology and AI to current processes and our ERP/MRP. Develop and monitor KPIs for material availability, supplier performance, inventory turns, and cost savings. Implement digital traceability tools or barcoding systems for real-time tracking. 6. Leadership & Team Development Lead a team consisting of buyers, warehouse personnel, shipping/receiving personnel, and inventory control personnel. Scale the team to be ahead of business growth (organic and acquisition). Establish individual and departmental performance goals aligned with corporate objectives. Conduct weekly 1 on 1's with direct reports. Promote cross-functional communication between Engineering, Production, Quality, Finance, and Product sales. Foster a culture of clear expectations, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. RequirementsEducation & Experience Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Operations, or Engineering. Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in materials management or supply chain leadership within composites or advanced materials manufacturing. Extensive experience leading a team of direct reports with a history of developing the team and delivering consistent successful results. Strong knowledge in ERP/MRP systems, production planning, and supplier performance management. Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Experience with regulated manufacturing environments (AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR) required. Preferred Strong understanding of composite materials and their storage/handling requirements. APICS CPIM/CSCP, ISM CPSM, or Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt. Technical & Soft Skills Deep understanding of composite raw materials, shelf-life management, and environmental storage controls. Proven ability to optimize inventory turns without impacting production continuity. Strong data-driven decision-making and communication abilities. Work Environment Office and production floor environment, with frequent interaction across all departments and occasional travel to supplier sites or secondary manufacturing facilities. They must be comfortable managing materials stored in cold storage, controlled environments, and hazardous material zones.

Created: 2026-03-10