Materials Manager

Materials Manager
Food Production & Manufacturing Newark , New Jersey Direct Hire Oct 8, 2026

Location: Newark, NJ
Salary: $95,000-$120,000

We are seeking an experienced Materials Manager to oversee raw materials, finished goods, inventory, shipping/receiving, and material flow within a manufacturing facility. This position will work closely with Production, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, and distributors to ensure materials are available when needed and operations run efficiently.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience in materials management, warehouse operations, inventory control, scheduling, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

• Manage raw materials, finished goods, inventory, and material flow throughout the facility.
• Oversee a team of 5–15 employees supporting forklift operations, inbound/outbound shipments, cycle counts, scheduling, and material ordering.
• Coordinate incoming and outgoing deliveries and work closely with trucking vendors, distributors, and suppliers.
• Ensure accurate inventory levels, physical counts, expediting, and bill of materials.
• Partner daily with Production and Operations to identify material or scheduling issues and implement solutions.
• Adjust staffing, shift schedules, and overtime requirements based on production demand.
• Monitor department performance related to safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Investigate shipping errors and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Manage employee attendance, performance, coaching, and minor employee relations issues.
• Develop and maintain work instructions and ensure consistent work processes.
• Ensure compliance with DOT, customs, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste in accordance with regulations.
• Participate in and lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on material flow, throughput, quality, and productivity.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, contractors, and distributors.
• Be a hands-on leader who regularly works on the floor with employees and cross-functional teams.

• 5–10 years of relevant manufacturing experience, preferably in materials management, warehouse management, or the paint/coatings industry.
• Experience managing incoming/outgoing materials and finished goods.
• Previous leadership experience overseeing employees in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Experience with inventory management, physical counts, expediting, and bills of materials.
• SAP experience strongly preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Microsoft Project.
• Experience working with vendors, trucking companies, contractors, and fleet drivers.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with both salaried and hourly employees.
• Lean Manufacturing/Continuous Improvement experience.
• Hands‑on leadership style with the ability to work independently while driving team goals.