Materials Manager

Job Details

• Location:
  
  Des Moines, IA 50313
• Position Type:
  Full Time
• Shift: Day

Ag Express Electronics is seeking an experienced Materials Manager who will be responsible for leading all aspects of material planning, procurement, inventory control, and distribution to ensure operational efficiency, cost effectiveness, and on‑time delivery. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this role requires a strong focus on inventory accuracy, cost control, and supply chain optimization to support both operational performance and financial objectives.

The Materials Manager works cross‑functionally to align materials management with company goals, customer expectations, and budgetary targets, while managing a geographically distributed team that includes a cross‑locational team.

• Planning & Forecasting
  • Collaborate with leadership to develop material requirements planning (MRP) based on production schedules, sales forecasts, and historical trends.
  • Monitor demand signals and analyze data to prevent shortages, overages, and excess carrying costs.
  • Maintain accurate forecasting models to balance inventory investment with cash flow considerations.
• Inventory & Materials Control
  • Oversee all inventory management activities, ensuring accuracy, and proper storage.
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and full physical inventories, reconciling variances promptly.
  • Implement inventory controls to reduce waste, obsolescence, and shrinkage.
• Procurement & Supplier Management
  • Lead procurement strategy to source quality materials at competitive prices while maintaining supplier reliability.
  • Negotiate contracts and terms that align with financial goals and operational requirements.
  • Monitor supplier performance, addressing quality or delivery concerns promptly.
• Production Scheduling & Coordination
  • Align production schedules with material availability to prevent downtime and optimize efficiency.
  • Coordinate with operations to ensure materials are available in the right quantity, at the right time, and in the right place.
  • Support new product launches by ensuring material readiness for production ramp‑up.
• Financial Accountability & Reporting
  • Partner with the CFO to monitor material spending, identify cost savings, and support budget development.
  • Track and report on key metrics such as inventory turns, days on hand, and purchase price variances.
  • Ensure compliance with internal controls related to purchasing, receiving, and inventory valuation.
• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, develop, and evaluate a team of purchasing and materials control staff, including both on‑site and cross‑locational team members.
  • Provide clear directions, set performance expectations, and conduct regular coaching and feedback.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across geographically distributed team locations.
  • Ensure effective communication, alignment, and engagement within the team regardless of location.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with finance, operations, quality, and engineering teams to resolve material‑related challenges.
  • Promote a positive and engaged work environment aligned with Ag Express Electronics’ core values.

• Leadership and Professional Attributes
  • Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills with ability to link inventory decisions to financial impact.
  • Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing purchasing team.
  • Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and adept at prioritizing in a fast‑paced environment.
  • High attention to detail with a focus on data integrity and accuracy.
  • Professionalism, discretion, and ethical integrity in handling sensitive data.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across functional teams.
• Required Experience/Education/Training/Certifications
  • Education:
    
    Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
  • Work Experience:
    • Minimum…