Materials Manager
Location: Chicago, IL
Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Salary: $125,000 Base + 12% Bonus
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 6:00 AM-3:00 PM or 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Summary
We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Materials Manager to lead materials planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory control operations. This role will oversee a cross-functional team while driving efficient, cost-effective materials processes that support production requirements, customer expectations, and overall business objectives. The Materials Manager will report directly to the Plant Manager and play a key role in continuous improvement, inventory optimization, supplier management, and supply chain performance.
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop the materials team through training, performance management, and succession planning.
- Manage materials planning, production scheduling support, and customer demand requirements.
- Oversee procurement, inventory control, warehousing, logistics, and transportation activities.
- Maintain accurate inventory levels through cycle counting, PFEP management, and Min/Max planning.
- Develop and monitor KPIs/KOIs to measure departmental performance and drive accountability.
- Manage supplier relationships and monitor supplier performance metrics.
- Lead continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives across materials operations.
- Oversee freight, routing, packaging strategies, and customer packaging compliance requirements.
- Ensure accurate reporting, documentation, and compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Partner closely with manufacturing, operations, and customers to support production goals.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field required; MBA preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive materials management experience within a manufacturing environment.
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing materials, supply chain, or logistics teams.
- Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with procurement, materials planning, logistics, inventory control, and supplier management.
- Strong knowledge of PFEP, inventory optimization, cycle counts, and Min/Max planning.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/materials management systems (Trans4M preferred).
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage confidential information and drive results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA preferred.
- CPIM, CPM, APP, or other supply chain certifications.
- Experience leading continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives.
- Multilingual capabilities are a plus.
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