Materials Manager

The Material Manager is responsible for overseeing material planning, production scheduling, purchasing, and inventory control functions for a sheet metal fabrication plant. This facility fabricates components, performs mechanical assemblies, and manages customer stocking programs. This role ensures materials and production schedules align with customer delivery requirements and stocking commitments while optimizing cost, inventory turns, and cash flow. The Material Manager works cross-functionally with Production and collaborates closely with the Warehouse Supervisor to ensure effective material flow and on‑time shipment performance. Key Responsibilities Develop and maintain the master production schedule to meet customer delivery dates and stocking program requirements. Translate customer forecasts, firm orders, and stocking agreements into actionable production plans. Balance capacity across fabrication, assembly, and finishing operations to ensure on‑time delivery. Coordinate closely with Production, Engineering, and Sales to adjust schedules based on demand changes, material availability, or capacity constraints. Monitor schedule adherence and implement corrective actions to prevent late shipments or stock shortages. Manage safety stock levels and replenishment triggers to maintain agreed‑upon customer inventory levels. Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to align long‑term demand forecasts with operational capacity. Material Planning & Procurement Develop and execute material planning strategies to support fabrication, assembly, and customer stocking programs. Oversee purchasing of sheet metal (steel, stainless, aluminum), hardware, PEM fasteners, purchased components, and outside processing services. Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings and supply continuity. Monitor commodity markets and lead times to proactively manage risk and material availability. Ensure timely placement and follow‑up of purchase orders to support production schedules. Inventory Management & Control Establish and maintain accurate inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess and obsolete stock. Implement inventory control procedures including cycle counting, physical inventories, and reconciliation processes. Manage raw materials, WIP, finished goods, and customer‑owned inventory. Drive improvements in inventory turns and working capital performance. Oversee material traceability and lot control where required. Customer Stocking Programs Manage vendor‑managed inventory (VMI), Kanban, and customer stocking agreements. Ensure finished goods inventory levels align with customer forecasts and contractual service levels. Coordinate replenishment schedules to maintain target fill rates and on‑time delivery performance. Partner with Sales and Customer Service to proactively communicate risks to delivery or stocking commitments. Warehouse & Logistics Coordination Work in partnership with the Warehouse Supervisor to ensure logistical plans are in place to meet required customer delivery dates. Ensure proper material flow from receipt through fabrication, assembly, and shipment. Align production schedules with shipping capacity and carrier availability. Coordinate inbound and outbound freight strategies, carrier relationships, and logistics cost management. Ensure compliance with packaging, labeling, and customer‑specific shipping requirements. Note: The Warehouse Supervisor maintains direct responsibility for daily warehouse operations, shipping execution, and personnel management within the warehouse function. Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Lead and develop purchasing, planning, and scheduling team members. Provide strategic direction for materials and production planning while the Warehouse Supervisor oversees daily warehouse execution. Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Finance to support operational goals. Support new product launches and engineering changes with effective planning and scheduling. Facilitate regular production and material review meetings to ensure alignment across departments. Systems & Continuous Improvement Maintain accurate data within ERP/MRP systems (BOMs, lead times, reorder points, safety stock, capacity data). Analyze KPIs including on‑time delivery, schedule attainment, inventory turns, supplier performance, and material shortages. Lead lean initiatives to reduce waste, improve material flow, and enhance supply chain performance. Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions and demand variability. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred. 5–10 years of experience in materials management and production scheduling within a manufacturing environment; sheet metal fabrication experience strongly preferred. 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience. Technical Skills Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems, production scheduling, and inventory management principles. Knowledge of sheet metal raw materials, hardware, assemblies, and outside processing services (plating, powder coating, etc.). Experience managing customer stocking or VMI programs. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis. Leadership Competencies Strong negotiation and supplier management skills. Excellent organizational and problem‑solving abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced production environment. Effective communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills. Strategic mindset with strong operational execution capabilities. Work Environment Manufacturing and warehouse environment with regular floor presence required. Occasional interaction with material handling equipment. Standard business hours with flexibility to support production and customer demands. Reporting Structure Reports to: General Manager. #J-18808-Ljbffr GENERAL METALS