Materials Manager II

Materials Manager II

The Materials Manager II leads site-wide materials and supply chain strategy, driving cost-effective sourcing, inventory optimization, and production planning in a highly engineered manufacturing environment. This role owns the development and execution of strategic materials plans, supports new product introductions, and ensures that purchasing, planning, and logistics activities align with operational and financial objectives. The Materials Manager II heads a team of buyers and planners, champions lean and Kanban methodologies, and plays a key role in continuous improvement and ERP-related change initiatives.

• Develop and execute a strategic materials and supply chain plan that aligns with site objectives and supports overall supply chain performance.
• Support new product development activities and manage the Engineering Change Notice (ECN) process as it relates to purchasing and production planning.
• Build, maintain, and continuously develop a material cost savings funnel in line with operating company objectives, and drive approved cost savings projects through to completion.
• Lead and manage sourcing projects, taking full responsibility for Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across direct and indirect materials.
• Manage supplier performance using supplier scorecards in collaboration with Supplier Quality Engineering, ensuring quality, delivery, and cost targets are met.
• Measure and report monthly and annual materials goals that support site-level operational and financial targets.
• Use value stream mapping and other lean tools to streamline materials and planning processes, reduce waste, and minimize inventory levels.
• Participate actively in the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align demand, supply, and capacity plans.
• Assist in product life cycle analysis for Kanban and ERP, and own the implementation and ongoing management of all direct material Kanban systems.
• Maintain an assertive follow-up system to ensure compliance with plant production schedules and to address material-related issues promptly.
• Own, teach, and manage the execution of Plan for Every Part (PFEP), Every Part Every Interval (EPEI), Optimizers, and other lean production planning tools.
• Understand and manage the impacts of any future system changes on MRP and ERP processes, and help guide the organization through ERP transitions.
• Interface effectively with Management, Supervision, Customer Service, Quality, Finance, Engineering, and Operations to ensure alignment and resolve materials-related issues.
• Evaluate and recommend Make/Buy decisions to optimize cost, capacity, and strategic positioning.
• Negotiate contracts for MRO and indirect materials, as well as major capital purchases, ensuring favorable commercial and contractual terms.
• Collaborate directly with the operating company sourcing group to implement sourcing and cost reduction projects.
• Participate in global, cross-site projects on an as-needed basis, contributing materials management expertise.
• Lead and develop a team of buyers and planners, providing direction, coaching, and support to drive performance and openness to change.

• Proven experience in supply chain management, materials management, and inventory control within a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining operations and materials planning for CNC-related production.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to guide and develop a team and drive change initiatives.
• Experience working through ERP changes and system implementations, with familiarity in SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Strong background in production planning, procurement, logistics, and end-to-end supply chain management.
• Ownership of inventory management utilizing a Kanban system, including implementation and ongoing control.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology and its practical application to direct and indirect materials.
• Advanced negotiation skills with a sound understanding of commercial, regulatory, and intellectual property elements of contracts.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities for data-driven decision making.
• Ability to…