Current Job Openings
Materials Manager – Fort Mill, SC
Job Description
The Materials Manager is responsible for leading the strategic planning and execution of inventory management, materials flow, and supply chain optimization at the Fort Mill, South Carolina facility. This role is critical in ensuring efficient production support, cost-effective operations, and seamless collaboration across sales, production, and logistics teams. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in inventory control, demand planning, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
The Materials Manager is responsible for leading the strategic planning and execution of inventory management, materials flow, and supply chain optimization at the Fort Mill, South Carolina facility. This role is critical in ensuring efficient production support, cost-effective operations, and seamless collaboration across sales, production, and logistics teams. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in inventory control, demand planning, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Strategic Inventory Management
- Develop and implement inventory strategies to maintain high service levels while minimizing carrying costs.
- Manage complex inventory environments with a focus on Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery, Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI), and End-of-Life (EOL) planning.
- Utilize ERP systems for real-time inventory tracking, analytics, and forecasting.
- Lead initiatives to reduce inventory obsolescence and optimize component lifecycle management.
- Ensure accurate inventory controls, including cycle counts and annual physical audits, to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy.
2. Demand Planning and Collaboration
- Partner with sales, production, and operations teams to translate demand forecasts into actionable inventory plans.
- Lead Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes, providing data-driven insights to align production schedules, procurement, and warehouse capacity.
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure inventory performance, including inventory turns, forecast accuracy, and lead time improvements.
- Communicate supply constraints and potential disruptions to internal stakeholders to prevent production delays.
3. Supplier Management and Risk Mitigation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable material flow and cost competitiveness.
- Negotiate contracts, lead time reductions, and flexible ordering options to reduce risk and enhance supply chain resilience.
- Qualify alternate suppliers, conduct regular performance audits, and establish contingency plans for critical materials.
- Coordinate with compliance teams to streamline customs processes and manage tariff impacts.
4. End-to-End Materials Flow Optimization
- Implement lean manufacturing principles and Plan for Every Part (PFEP) strategies to reduce waste and improve materials flow.
- Optimize storage layouts, automate inventory tracking (e.g., RFID, barcoding), and reduce non-value-added handling.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce material handling time, minimize costs, and improve overall efficiency.
5. Compliance and Continuous Improvement
- Oversee routine cycle counts and inventory audits to ensure >98% accuracy.
- Conduct root cause analysis for discrepancies and implement corrective actions to improve processes.
- Drive sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, recyclable packaging, and carbon footprint tracking.
6. Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Mentor and develop a team of materials planners, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to long-term business planning, aligning inventory strategies with overall financial goals and growth targets.
- Lead change management efforts, including system upgrades, process improvements, and ERP implementations.
Skills and Qualifications
- Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), demand planning tools (e.g., Kinaxis, Blue Yonder), and data visualization software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
- Expertise in inventory optimization, safety stock modeling, and supply chain risk management.
- Strong analytical skills and experience with lean manufacturing principles.
- Exceptional negotiation, project management, and vendor relationship skills.
Traits
- Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on precision and accuracy.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of driving cross-functional collaboration.
- Resilient and adaptable in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, or a related field (required).
- Master's degree or MBA preferred.
- 7-10 years of materials management experience, including 5+ years in manufacturing (electronics, automotive, or industrial sectors preferred).
- Certifications in APICS CPIM, CSCP, or Lean Six Sigma (preferred).
Compensation and Benefits
- Annual bonus eligibility of up to 15% of salary, based on company and individual performance
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Health Savings Account option
- Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
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