Material Manager

Company Overview

Upchurch is a rapidly growing
, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions
, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—
helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan
.

The Material Manager is responsible for strategic planning, procurement coordination, inventory control, warehousing, logistics, and material distribution functions supporting multiple construction projects and fabrication facilities. This role ensures the timely availability of materials, equipment, tools, and fabricated components required to maintain project schedules, maximize fabrication productivity, and minimize inventory costs.

The Material Manager serves as the primary link between project management, procurement, fabrication, warehouse operations, vendors, and field construction teams to ensure efficient material flow from purchase order through installation.

Materials Planning & Management

• Develop and implement company-wide material management strategies.

• Coordinate material requirements with Project Managers, Project Engineers, Estimators, Fabrication Managers, and Procurement personnel.

• Forecast material demand based on project schedules, fabrication requirements, and manpower loading plans.

• Ensure material availability aligns with project milestones and construction schedules.

• Monitor long-lead and critical-path materials.

• Establish and maintain material tracking systems for all projects.

Warehouse & Inventory Management

• Manage warehouse operations, inventory accuracy, and material control processes.

• Develop inventory levels, stock replenishment plans, and cycle count programs.

• Implement inventory management best practices to reduce shrinkage, shortages, and excess stock.

• Oversee receiving, storage, staging, and distribution activities.

• Ensure proper identification, labeling, and preservation of materials.

• Monitor inventory turns and warehouse utilization.

Fabrication Shop Support

• Coordinate material flow to fabrication facilities.

• Ensure fabrication teams receive required materials, fittings, equipment, and assemblies on schedule.

• Work closely with Fabrication Managers to identify shortages and production constraints.

• Prioritize material allocation based on project schedules and fabrication workload.

• Monitor fabrication material consumption and reconcile usage.

Project Site Logistics

• Coordinate deliveries to active construction sites.

• Develop site-specific material handling and staging plans.

• Manage transportation schedules and delivery logistics.

• Ensure materials arrive complete, damage-free, and according to project requirements.

• Coordinate return of surplus materials and equipment.

Procurement Coordination

• Collaborate with purchasing teams and vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials.

• Review and monitor purchase order status reports.

• Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation plans.

• Resolve vendor delivery issues and material shortages.

• Participate in vendor performance evaluations.

• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and cost-saving opportunities.

Material Tracking & Reporting

• Maintain accurate material status reports for all active projects.

• Generate inventory, warehouse, and project material utilization reports.

• Track material costs against budgets.

• Monitor material waste and implement improvement initiatives.

• Provide weekly updates to Operations and Project Management leadership.

• Utilize ERP, inventory, and project management software for reporting and analysis.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead warehouse supervisors, inventory coordinators, material handlers, drivers, and logistics personnel.

• Establish performance objectives and accountability measures.

• Train employees on material handling procedures and inventory control practices.

• Conduct performance evaluations and workforce planning.

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and company safety policies.

• Maintain organized and safe warehouse and yard operations.

• Ensure proper storage and handling of materials and equipment.

• Monitor DOT and transportation regulatory compliance as applicable.

• Participate in safety audits and incident investigations.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

Experience

• 7+ years of material management, warehouse management, logistics, or procurement experience.

• 5+ years of leadership experience.

• Experience supporting large-scale commercial, industrial,…