Materials Manager

Job Summary:

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.

This role will be located at our Des Moines, Iowa location.

Key Responsibilities:

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.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

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 of three years in materials management, procurement, or supply chain, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing both on-site and remote teams.
• Computer Skills: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Physical Demands:

• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally, the role may involve lifting and carrying office equipment or materials weighing up to a certain limit.
• Standing and Walking: Ability to navigate various onsite meetings with customers and facilities within the organization’s premises.
• Communication: Skill in exchanging accurate information with customers, co-workers, vendors, etc., utilizing verbal, written, and electronic communication methods.
• Sitting for Extended Periods: Much of the work will be conducted at a desk requiring the ability to sit for extended periods while performing tasks.
• Repetitive Motion: Some tasks may involve repetitive motions of the hands, especially prolonged periods of typing on a computer to perform administrative and operational tasks. Ergonomic practices should be followed to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
• Safety Awareness: Awareness of and adherence to safety protocols and procedures is essential when navigating the organization’s facilities to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of workplace hazards or accidents.

Ag Express Electronics is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities and ensuring a supportive work environment. Candidates are encouraged to discuss specific needs during the application process.

Benefits:

Ag Express Electronics offers a leading benefits package as highlighted below:

• Employer-Sponsored Benefits: Medical, Dental, Group Life, Short-Term Disability (STD) with buy-up options
• Voluntary Benefits: Vision, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account(s) (FSA), Life Insurance
• 401(k): Safe Harbor 401(k) including an annual 3% company contribution and Profit Share funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Contribution funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO allowance to support work-life balance and provide employees with opportunities for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Holiday Benefits: Recognition and observance of holidays by Ag Express Electronics, allowing employees to celebrate.
• Flexible Hours : Flexible work hours empower employees to have greater control over their work schedules, fostering a better work-life balance and increased flexibility to accommodate personal commitments.
• Educational Assistance : Support for employee development through educational assistance, including financial support for further education or professional certifications relevant to their roles, ensuring continuous learning and growth opportunities.
• Casual Dress Environment: Enjoy a casual dress environment at work, with company-provided branded clothing to promote comfort and a sense of belonging among employees.

Ag Express Electronics is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

About Us:

Ag Express Electronics is a leading provider of innovative electrical solutions for agricultural, construction, and industrial applications. We specialize in designing custom electrical harnesses and distribution systems to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient solutions that exceed customer expectations.