Materials Management Specialist

Team Lead Materials ManagementThe Team Lead Materials Management ensures a high level of performance at the Charles City Site in the supply of biological vaccines. This role leads day-to-day execution and continuous improvement of planning, scheduling, and direct materials readiness to protect customer supply and production efficiency. The Team Lead is a proactive, collaborative leader who identifies risks early (3–24 months), brings options and recommendations, and aligns cross-functional partners (Operations, Quality, Process Teams, and the Supply Chain Network) to resolve issues before they impact production.Conducts all activities and makes decisions in accordance with Company policies & SOPs, Zoetis Core Beliefs, global regulatory guidelines (including cGMP/cGLP/cGCP), and environmental guidelines, as appropriate.Position Responsibilities:Customer & network partnership: Respond to customer inquiries and order status needs (ship dates, order changes, availability, loads, on-hand, item # changes) in coordination with the Planning/Scheduling/Customer Interface Manager; communicate constraints, tradeoffs, and recovery plans clearly and professionally.Forward-looking risk management: Identify long-term obstacles to production and supply (lead time shifts, supplier constraints, distressed/aging inventory, quality holds, change controls, capacity bottlenecks) and lead cross-functional mitigation plans with clear owners, actions, and timelines.S&OP / IBP / S&OE execution: Coordinate and execute S&OP/IBP inputs including new product introductions, long-term capacity planning, inventory strategy/targets, and budget planning; use scenario planning to support decisions.Inventory exception management: Review inventory alerts/exceptions (low/high stock, excess/slow-moving, constrained items) through S&OE and IBP; drive corrective actions to stabilize supply and improve inventory health.Planning leadership & parameter governance: Lead the process order cycle with the planning team and manufacturing; determine and maintain process-specific planning parameters, run/analyze scenarios as needed, and monitor/manage resource utilization (shifts, headcount, overtime).Materials ordering & readiness: Lead ordering for all direct materials and intercompany needs; ensure timely receipt and readiness for use through strong supplier/internal coordination, prioritization, and issue escalation.Lot release enablement: Aid in ensuring timely release of production lots through coordination with Quality, Operations, and Process Teams (e.g., driving timely closure of investigations and change controls that impact supply).Continuous improvement & KPI ownership: Promote a culture of continuous improvement using KPIs, standard work, and system/process enhancements; reduce expediting and prevent repeat issues through root-cause problem solving.People leadership: Develop team members for growth; set clear expectations, coach problem-solving and communication, and build an ownership culture where planners/buyers partner effectively with peers.Behavioral expectationsBrings issues early with data, options, and a recommended path—no "surprises."Builds trust with peers; solves problems collaboratively rather than "throwing problems over the wall."Thinks 3 steps ahead (lead times, quality release risk, supplier constraints) and drives preventive actions.Technical Skills and Competencies RequiredExceptional communication (written and verbal) in English; can tailor messages to shop-floor partners, peers, and customers/network stakeholders.Strong collaboration and influence: Demonstrated ability to lead through peers/cross-functional teams and facilitate decisions; resolves conflict constructively and drives alignment.Advanced Excel proficiency (required): comfortable building/maintaining analytical tools and dashboards (e.g., pivots, lookups, structured formulas;) to manage exceptions and support planning decisions.Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills (trend analysis, scenario planning, root cause/corrective action).Knowledge of product flow through Manufacturing and the impacts of quality/release processes on supply.Knowledge of manufacturing capabilities/constraints and how to translate them into realistic plans.Working knowledge of SAP, MPS, MRP, and inventory management principles.Demonstrated ability to lead complexity across a broad product portfolio.Strong organization, prioritization, and negotiation skills.Preferred candidate qualificationsProficient in Zoetis Supply Operating Model and SAP.Experience managing Distressed Inventory (prevention, disposition coordination, and strategy to reduce recurrence).Experience partnering in regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., biologics/pharma) where quality systems and compliance timelines impact supply.Physical RequirementsThis position requires sitting and working on a computer for long periods of time.Must be able to walk, sit, or stand for long periods of time.Must be able to work scheduled 40 hours with the ability to work more as needed.Repetitive motion and substantial movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.