Materials Manager

Materials Manager

Lead and direct the materials function in a high volume, team oriented, automotive environment providing long-term planning to support plant objectives for on-time delivery, inventory dollars, DOH, supplier delivery, equipment utilization and use of lean principles and tools. Provides information to Manufacturing concerning material requirements that ensure customer demands are met. Provides guidance in requirements of manpower and equipment utilization. Serves as the interface with customer and corporate material functions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Direct the activities of shipping, receiving, warehousing and support value stream material analysts to ensure appropriate training and development of personnel to meet operational needs.
• Provide overall management strategy and develop robust systems for plant inventory levels including raw, WIP and finished goods to meet inventory goals and support demand requirements.
• Implement purchasing, production scheduling, logistics and inventory control processes which ensure the availability of materials for an uninterrupted flow of production while maintaining minimum inventory.
• Oversee production and scheduling practices to ensure alignment with plant and corporate goals.
• Directly support lean manufacturing principles and processes, as well as new product introductions.
• Contribute to overall corporate and plant strategies by participating in interplant activities and acting as a liaison with corporate materials.
• Responsible for training and developing the organization to understand the concepts and principles of lean and materials management.
• Participate in daily strategic meetings to ensure continuity and opportunities for improvement are captured and addressed systematically.
• Employ techniques for effective problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and ensure departmental personnel conform to company policies and procedures while maintaining a safe and cost-efficient environment at all time and provide training to backup the processes.
• Assist Plant Engineering and Plant Quality as required in resolving the disposition of substandard or rejected materials.
• Establish and manage a department budget that will effectively contribute to the overall goals of the organization.
• Be familiar with and ethically operate in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and governmental procedures relative to purchasing and financial reporting activities.
• Assist with the development of inventory and freight budgets for the purpose of establishing acceptable inventory levels and freight spend upon which performance can be measured and operating controls achieved.
• Also take into account the most economical transportation routes and opportunities to combine resources to cut costs.
• Assist with coordination of engineering changes, product balance outs and new product launches with suppliers and customers, to insure orderly and timely transition in the flow of materials and production requirements while managing material with minimal to no obsolescence.
• Utilize Supplier Standards Manual and State of Work to improve the capability of suppliers while maintaining the flow of raw materials necessary to produce the finished product.
• Responsible for the warehouse and material replenishment to production and establishing optimum stores locations, methods for handling (conveyance), proximity, and visual management.
• Determine and maintain appropriate material handling equipment and staffing levels required to load, unload, move and store materials.

Job Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree
• Experience: 3-5 Years of experience and/or experience required
• Requirements: Should have experience with ERP technology such as SAP and quality management systems such as QOS, QS9000 and KAIZEN. A background in customer relations is favored. Knowledge of cost savings techniques and change management processes is necessary. Alongside presentation skills, strong verbal and written communication skills are required for this role. Individual should be proficient with computer skills and the Microsoft suite products. Individual should have an ASCM or APICS certification. Experience with applied lean manufacturing techniques and Six Sigma is preferred. Previous experience in the automotive manufacturing industry is a positive. Previous involvement with sales, inventory, operational planning and other supply chain practices is required. Experience with value stream mapping, leveling demand, Kanban calculations and techniques

Physical Demands: Ability to sit frequently for extended periods of time. Ability to move about the plant in both the office and manufacturing areas. Ability to travel occasionally. Manual dexterity for computer work. Ability to communicate in an effective manner.

Work Environment: Office environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, computers, telephones, desks, temperature controlled. Manufacturing environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, machine/equipment noise, some welding exhaust, non-controlled temperatures, and PPE required.