Materials Manager

SB Unit Materials ManagerThe SB Unit Materials Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of inventory within an assigned gauge/product range, including receiving quality, inventory accuracy, supplier (mill) performance, and cross-functional coordination with Sales, Quality, and Operations. This role combines traditional materials/inventory management with data-driven analysis and continuous improvement, driving proactive, upstream corrective actions rather than reactive inspection responses.Objectives:Optimize material utilization and profitabilityManage inventory ratios to fulfill customer demand and prevent scheduling/processing disruptionsReduce receiving-related packaging and quality claims through proactive supplier collaboration and root-cause analysisMaintain data accuracy and reporting integrity across inventory, quality, and claims systemsSupport a culture of continuous improvement and cross-departmental collaborationGet with your department Manager when you feel it's time to downgrade, or move material to keep cycling through materialAssign all material in the gauge range you are assigned to, that will also include the assignment of specialty items like: Floorplate, AR450, and Customer Owned Inventory.Major Responsibilities/Functions:Must be proactive in situations to stop them before they become issues. Ask for assistance from Department Manager of neededReview material "on hold" from previous date(s) and collaborate with the sales team to make the best decision/risk analysisReview unplanned/planned material returned to inventory from operational processes to determine the best next step/risk scenarioProvide timely responses to material inquiries from the sales force to maximize business opportunitiesPartner with mill technical representatives on quality/surface identification, root-cause analysis, and improvement conceptsTrack, analyze, and review "On/Off Claim at Receiving" defect rates by supplier mill; identify systemic packaging, banding, or handling failure modes (e.g., oscillation, loose wraps, telescoping) and help drive corrective action plansManage daily master contract bucket changes and analyze high/low inventory ratios to make sure we are in lineBring any discrepancies found to the ISR, OSR, and Commercial Manager if needed to find out what the problem is.Manage sales backlogs daily in a timely manner to meet sales expectations and customer demandsReview and maximize profit-and-loss (P&L) performance from previous orders to understand and enhance profitability marginsManage "Aged Inventory", identifying how material can meet other applications and sales opportunities, and come up with ideas to implement using this aged material to the Department ManagerMaintain inventory accuracy through reconciliation, and ERP system data integrityCoordinate with Purchasing on supplier/mill relationships, scorecards, and expedite processesReview all daily reports you receive, and act on them, including opportunities on Call Reports from the Outside Sales DepartmentEnsure compliance with departmental SOPs, quality protocols, and applicable regulatory/customer requirementsPromote and maintain a safe working environment in accordance with company safety standardsBe involved in special projects from Material Department ManagerPerform other duties as assignedRequirementsEducation & Requirements:Bachelor's degree preferred (Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field); equivalent experience consideredMinimum of 3-5 years' sales and/or steel material experience required within the steel service center spectrumExperience with inventory management and/or ERP systemsWorking knowledge of data analysis/reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) preferredStrong analytical and problem-solving skills; root-cause analysis experience a plusExcellent verbal and written communication skills, including cross-communication between all departments and locations in all Steel Warehouse locations.Positive Team attitude. Always be part of the Solution & work with anyone needing assistanceProactive approach to problem identification and resolutionFamiliarity with continuous improvement / Lean Six Sigma principles a plus