Director of Materials

Applied Engineering|

Reports to:

Chief Operating Officer|Full-Time, On-Site

Applied Engineering is seeking a strategic, results-driven Director of Materials to lead and modernize our end-to‑end supply chain within a precision manufacturing environment. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this executive-level leader will own the strategy, performance, and continuous improvement of our materials organization, directly managing our Purchasing and Warehouse departments.

This is a role for a builder: someone who can translate operational and production goals into a resilient, cost effective, and scalable materials strategy. The ideal candidate pairs deep supply chain expertise with the leadership presence to influence across the organization, from the shop floor to the executive team.

• Supply chain strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-range materials and supply chain strategy aligned with company growth objectives, production forecasts, and financial targets.
• Supplier & vendor strategy: Build and lead a strategic sourcing program — supplier segmentation, negotiation of long‑term agreements, risk mitigation, and development of key supplier partnerships that improve cost, quality, and lead time.
• Inventory optimization: Set the strategy and policies governing inventory levels, safety stock, and turns, balancing service levels against working‑capital efficiency.
• Cost & performance management: Own the materials budget and drive year-over‑year total‑cost‑of‑ownership reductions through data‑driven sourcing, demand planning, and process improvement.
• Risk & continuity: Establish supply‑continuity and contingency plans that protect production against disruption, single‑source exposure, and demand volatility.

• Team leadership: Directly manage, develop, and hold accountable the Purchasing and Warehouse departments, building a high‑performing team through clear goals, coaching, and succession planning.
• Cross‑functional partnership: Partner with Operations, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align material availability with production schedules and new‑product introductions.
• Process & systems: Champion the use and continuous improvement of ERP/MRP systems, driving data integrity, planning discipline, and measurable process standardization across the materials function.
• Compliance: Ensure purchasing and warehouse practices comply with contractual, regulatory, and quality‑management requirements applicable to our manufacturing and government‑contract environment.
• KPIs & reporting: Define, track, and report the metrics that matter — on‑time delivery, fill rate, inventory turns, purchase price variance, and supplier performance — and present results and recommendations to executive leadership.

• 10+ years of progressive supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment, including significant experience managing purchasing and/or warehouse/materials functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, including managers or supervisors.
• Proven track record of strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and measurable cost reduction.
• Strong command of inventory management principles, demand/supply planning, and ERP/MRP systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and executive‑presentation skills.

• Experience in a precision contract manufacturing environment.
• APICS/ASCM (CPIM, CSCP), CPSM, or equivalent professional certification.
• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience leading ERP implementation, migration, or optimization initiatives.

Salary range: $160,000 – $180,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their families: