Material Management Specialist

Description
Seeking a Materials Manager to lead inventory management, production planning, logistics coordination, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities across multiple manufacturing sites.
This role serves as the key link between demand forecasts, material availability, production schedules, and operational execution. The Division Production Control Manager will oversee inventory and production control functions, manage production planning resources across multiple plants, and drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost savings, productivity, inventory optimization, and on-time delivery performance.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong manufacturing supply chain background, experience leading production control teams, and a proven ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution in a lean manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain division-wide production plans and master schedules to support customer demand and business forecasts.
- Align manufacturing capacity, labor, material availability, and equipment resources to achieve customer service and inventory objectives.
- Coordinate production priorities across multiple manufacturing facilities.
- Manage production schedules across weekly, monthly, and long-range planning horizons.
- Resolve scheduling conflicts caused by material shortages, engineering changes, labor constraints, machine availability, and changing business priorities.
Inventory Management
- Lead all inventory control activities, including inventory strategy, inventory accuracy, records management, and material planning.
Partner closely with Procurement to ensure timely replenishment of raw materials and components.
Drive aggressive inventory optimization and inventory reduction initiatives while maintaining customer service levels.
Monitor inventory performance and adjust stock levels based on changing business conditions and production requirements.
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
- Lead monthly S&OP processes for the division.
Translate sales forecasts into executable production and inventory plans.
Work cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Procurement, Engineering, and Finance to balance demand and supply requirements.
Develop material and production strategies that support both short-term execution and long-term business growth.
Leadership & Team Development
- Direct and mentor Production Control and Logistics (PCL) team members across multiple manufacturing locations.
Provide leadership and guidance to production planning and inventory control personnel.
Build strong relationships across operations, supply chain, engineering, quality, finance, and commercial teams.
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and continuous improvement-focused culture.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement process improvements that drive:
*Cost savings
*Productivity enhancements
*Inventory reductions
*Service level improvements
- Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives across the division.
- Analyze operational data and present recommendations to leadership.
- Lead strategic projects that improve supply chain performance and scalability.
Reporting & Analytics
- Develop reports and dashboards measuring inventory, production, service, and operational performance.
Analyze trends and provide recommendations to improve planning effectiveness.
Monitor key supply chain metrics and communicate performance to division leadership.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Materials Management, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in Production Planning, Inventory Control, Materials Management, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing Operations.
- Experience leading production planning or supply chain teams within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of: Production scheduling, Inventory management, Capacity planning, Demand planning, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
- Willingness to travel periodically to division manufacturing facilities.
- Need someone who is savvy within Excel. Someone should be analytical, can read and pull data and also present it to large groups.
- Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Qualifications
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent).
- Experience supporting multiple manufacturing plants. (Multi-site)
- Experience within SAP is preferred.
- Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
- leading inventory reduction and cost savings initiatives.
- Experience with production control and logistics functions in a discrete manufacturing environment. (Manufacturing )
Additional:
-Cool under pressure
-Someone who can communicate effectively and speak in ways to up and down the levels
-Someone to make recommendations and drive change.
Experience Level
Intermediate Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Minneapolis, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $165000.00/yr.
Will update more with specific company benefits!
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Minneapolis,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.