Materials Manager

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

Job Description:

The Materials Manager is responsible for the overall strategy, control, and execution of material planning, inventory management, warehouse processes, and material flow for both Premise and Black Jacket operations. This role directly manages the material handlers and ensures uninterrupted production through effective inventory control, replenishment planning, FIFO management, incoming material quality processes, and optimization of material movement throughout the manufacturing operation.

The Materials Manager will develop and maintain systems that improve inventory accuracy, reduce shortages, optimize working capital, and support operational excellence through disciplined material management practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Be a safety leader in the plant, specifically reducing forklift traffic and PIV/Pedestrian interactions and material storage practices
• Directly supervise and provide day-to-day leadership to material handlers supporting Premise and Black Jacket operations.
• Plan staffing and work assignments for material handlers to support receiving, storage, replenishment, material movement, and production priorities.
• Train, coach, and develop material handlers; set clear performance expectations, provide feedback, and address performance or attendance concerns in accordance with company policies.
• Ensure material handlers follow all safety, quality, inventory control, FIFO, 5S, and standard work requirements.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve min/max, safety stock, and reorder point parameters for all direct raw material inputs.
• Develop inventory strategies that minimize stockouts while controlling excess inventory and obsolescence.
• Work with operations and warehouse teams to establish lean principles such as a pull system or Kanban flow for raw materials
• Manage raw material availability across both Premise and Black Jacket manufacturing operations.
• Monitor and control short-length material inventory, ensuring effective utilization and reduction of scrap.
• Develop systems to maximize use of remnant and short materials (Fiber, FRP, Aramid, Binder, etc.) while maintaining product quality requirements.
• Collaborate with Planning, Production, Engineering, and Purchasing teams to resolve material shortages and risks.
• Develop and implement a robust First-In, First-Out (FIFO) process for all applicable raw materials.
• Establish visual management systems, storage practices, and process controls to ensure FIFO compliance.
• Improve material traceability throughout receiving, storage, and production consumption processes.
• Establish material flow lanes and replenishment processes supporting efficient manufacturing operations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on material flow and inventory management including a robust cycle count process.
• Establish and maintain incoming inspection processes for critical raw materials and components.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to define inspection criteria, sampling plans, and acceptance standards.
• Drive containment and corrective actions for incoming material issues.
• Monitor Finished Goods Inventory (FGI) levels to support customer demand while minimizing excess inventory.
• Develop reporting and dashboards to improve visibility of inventory status and risk.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement activities within the materials function.
• Support implementation and optimization of ERP/MRP systems and inventory management processes.
• Establish KPIs and reporting systems for inventory performance, material availability, and material flow effectiveness.

Personal Qualities

• Leadership
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong analytical skills
• Self-starter mentality with demonstrated ability to define and execute projects

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in manufacturing environments
• 3+ years of relevant work experience with production and/or materials management
• 3+ years of management/supervisory experience
• Spoken and written fluency in English
• Proficient in MS Office - specifically Excel and Word
• Proficient in Oracle or similar ERP software
• Strong communication skills and evidence of cross-functional collaboration
• Strong knowledge and evidence of implementing lean manufacturing principles

Working Conditions

• 100% on-site: office, manufacturing, warehouse environments.
• 40 hours/week, with typical schedule Monday through Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm.
• Minimal travel will be required.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications: Associates or Bachelors Degree (Supply Chain)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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