Materials Manager

We are proud of what we do and where we are going at Dexter/Dex Ko, and we know that our great people are what makes us so exceptional. It is important to us that the people we invite onto our team are a good fit both technically and culturally, and that the feeling is mutual. The process we use to assess fit may be different than what you’ve experienced with other companies, and we have designed it that way for a reason.

If you have applied and are being considered for a position with us, this brief video will help you understand what to expect as you move through the Dexter/Dex Ko Selection Process.

At Dexter, we manufacture and distribute axles, accessories, and towing components primarily serving the commercial trailer, RV, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets. We’re building products and systems that are rooted in a culture of safety, collaboration, and innovation.

Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved over 65 years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service.

At Dexter
, our Materials Manager is the heartbeat of operations — aligning procurement, production planning, scheduling, and shipping to ensure we deliver for our customers every single time.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role blends hands-on execution with big-picture strategy. You’ll lead materials flow from supplier to shipping dock, balancing cost, quality, service, and equipment utilization in a fast-moving, seasonal manufacturing environment.

If you thrive on coordination, data-driven decisions, and leading teams through complex supply chain challenges — this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact.

As Materials Manager, you’ll take ownership of the full materials lifecycle while leading a critical team:

• Driving front-end procurement and coordinating production planning and plant scheduling
• Leading and developing the Shipping/Warehouse team
• Partnering closely with Operations and the Production Superintendent to deliver on-time results
• Optimizing cost, quality, inventory levels, and equipment utilization
• Managing a broad global supply chain that ramps up quickly at the start of season and scales down efficiently at the end
• Building strong internal and external relationships with a customer-first mindset
• Using ERP systems and reporting tools to analyze performance and guide decision-making
• Applying lean manufacturing principles to continuously improve materials flow
• Adapting quickly to changing demand and high product variation
• Supporting additional operational initiatives as needed

We’re looking for a strategic thinker who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or comparable technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
• 6+ years of related experience
• 3–5 years of materials management and product scheduling experience in heavy manufacturing
• Strong ERP system knowledge and reporting capability
• Advanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis tools)
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• High-volume metal fabrication (forming, cutting, welding) and assembly
• Automotive or heavy truck sector experience
• Managing highly seasonal operations with rapid output changes
• Lean manufacturing tools such as Six Sigma, Toyota Production System, or similar methodologies

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