Materials Manager
EPITEC Chicago, Illinois, United States (On-site)
Location: Chicago, IL
Type: Full-Time | On-Site
A shift: Monday-Friday 6AM–3:00 PM or 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
For over 24 years, the company has delivered excellence through precision-engineered, build-to-order vehicle components from cockpits to fascia assemblies. Our award-winning team combines advanced lean manufacturing, strong product development, and a highly efficient supply chain to meet customer demands with reliability and innovation.
If you’re looking for a company that empowers you to grow while driving excellence, collaboration, and innovation to create real impact, we’d love to meet you.
The role
We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Materials Manager to lead our materials planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory control operations. This role is responsible for overseeing a cross-functional team and driving efficient, cost-effective materials management processes that align with organizational goals and customer requirements. The ideal candidate is an innovative, data-driven leader with a passion for supply chain excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational growth.
This position is based on-site at our Chicago, IL facility and reports to the plant manager as part of the Materials team.
What You’ll Do
- Team Leadership & Development: Direct and support departmental staff, ensuring effective training, performance evaluation, and professional development to meet current and future business needs.
- Materials Planning & Coordination: Collaborate with manufacturing and customers to schedule production, manage transportation logistics, and maintain optimal inventory levels to meet demand.
- Systems & Reporting: Develop, implement, and maintain procedures for accurate and timely materials management reporting.
- Supplier Management: Oversee supplier relationships, focusing on performance metrics and participating in program management activities as needed.
- Procurement & Inventory Control: Ensure timely procurement of production and service components. Monitor inventory levels and cycle counts to meet company goals and maintain accuracy.
- Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization: Identify and drive initiatives for process improvement and cost reduction across materials operations.
- Performance Metrics: Establish and track Key Operating Indicators (KOIs) to measure departmental success and support strategic goals.
- Packaging & Logistics Oversight: Manage packaging and freight strategies, including premium freight, routing, and compliance with customer packaging requirements (e.g., CLIPS).
- PFEP Management: Review and maintain the Plan for Every Part (PFEP), ensuring appropriate Min/Max inventory levels across all locations.
- Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all activities are properly documented and comply with company policies, including emergency evacuation procedures.
- Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.
Required Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field, MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Bailed Material Operation materials management, including direct supervision of staff, preferably within the automotive industry.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Owned Material Operation materials management, with demonstrated leadership in staff supervision, ideally in an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) and materials management systems such as Trans4M.
- Familiarity with departmental procedures and guidelines related to materials operations.
- CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management), CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager), or APP (Associate Professional in Supply Chain Management) certifications are preferred.
- Ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Multilingual capabilities are a plus.
Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements:
- Typical physical demands include a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, with sufficient mobility to navigate both office and plant environments.
- Ability to perform standard computer-based tasks as part of daily responsibilities. Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% as required by the role.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Our success is rooted in meaningful relationships and a culture that feels like family. We champion compassion, respect, and work-life balance, while supporting each team member’s personal and professional growth. Through ongoing development, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our people to thrive both at work and in life.