Materials & Logistics Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Materials & Logistics Manager

Air Lift, a third-generation family-owned company, was founded in 1949 in Lansing, Michigan. Air Lift supplies the automotive aftermarket with load assist products and performance suspensions for show and track. Our goal is to consistently provide products and services that meet and exceed customers’ requirements and expectations. We do this by recruiting top talent and retaining them through our commitment to professional development and preservation of our culture.

Job Summary:

Lead regional and global materials planning, inventory management, and inbound/outbound logistics to ensure the right products are available at the right time and lowest sustainable total landed cost. Develop and execute practical materials and logistics strategies that support Air Lift’s growth, new product launches, supply continuity, service performance, and working capital objectives.

What You'll Do:

Materials Planning & Inventory

• Own materials requirements planning (MRP), replenishment, production support, and inventory strategies across domestic and international supply channels.
• Own ERP/MRP planning effectiveness, including item master data, BOM accuracy, lead times, safety stock, reorder points, and inventory transactions.
• Lead ERP-driven improvements and reporting to improve planning accuracy, inventory visibility, exception management, and decision-making across regional and global operations.
• Improve inventory turns, accuracy, order fill, and working capital while protecting service and production continuity.
• Drive SIOP, demand changes, capacity constraints, and supplier recovery planning.

Regional & Global Logistics Strategy

• Develop and execute regional and global inbound and outbound logistics strategies across North America, Mexico, Asia, Europe, and other active sourcing regions.
• Optimize freight modes, lanes, shipment consolidation, container utilization, carrier/forwarder performance, and warehouse-to-customer material flow.
• Manage freight partners, customs brokers, import/export documentation, cross-border execution, and trade compliance in coordination with internal and external specialists.
• Reduce total landed cost, premium freight, transit variability, and logistics risks while maintaining material availability and delivery reliability.

Launches, Transitions & Cross-Functional Execution

• Own materials and logistics readiness for NPD, product launches, engineering changes, supplier transitions, and regional sourcing changes.
• Coordinate inventory runout, phase-in/phase-out plans, lead times, shipment schedules, and contingency plans to avoid shortages and obsolescence.
• Partner with Purchasing, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and suppliers on cost, timing, delivery, and risk.

Leadership, Strategy & Performance

• Translate Air Lift supply chain priorities into executable materials and logistics plans; identify regional and global opportunities for cost, service, and resilience.
• Lead and develop the materials/logistics team; establish accountability, standard work, root-cause problem solving, and continuous improvement.
• Track and improve inventory accuracy, turns, days of supply, fill rate, supplier/carrier on-time delivery, freight spend, premium freight, and landed cost.
• Remain a hands-on manager who resolves critical supply and shipment issues promptly and communicates risks with clear recovery actions.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations, logistics, business, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven materials management, inventory/MRP, and transportation/logistics experience in manufacturing or a complex product environment.
• Working knowledge of domestic and international freight, carriers/forwarders, import/export processes, and total landed cost.
• NON-NEGOTIABLE: Demonstrated advanced, hands-on ERP/MRP proficiency. Must independently manage item master data, BOMs, lead times, safety stock, reorder points, planning parameters, inventory accuracy, MRP exceptions, and reporting; diagnose system/data issues and lead ERP process improvements. Prior practical ownership—not just ERP user exposure—is required.
• Strong analytical and financial judgment; ability to lead teams and support production schedules, engineering changes, launches, and inventory risk.
• CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, or similar certification; Lean/Six Sigma; experience with SIOP, global sourcing networks, cross-border logistics, and manufacturing quality systems preferred.
• Domestic and occasional international travel as business needs require.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits 
• Generous 401(k) with up to 8% company matching 
• A supportive and inclusive company culture that prioritizes work/life balance
• Professional development to help grow your career
• Paid time off and paid holidays