Materials Manager

Materials Manager

Beatrice, NE

Must be a US Citizen or Green Card holder.

• Overall responsibility for all material and production planning, including inventory management activities within the facility
• Create and implement best practice material planning and inventory management vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures, to aid and improve operational performance
• Review opportunities to improve operational and financial performance, and ensure minimal operational disruption and maximum customer satisfaction
• Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process
• Manage and update material and production planning and inventory management policies, procedures, guidelines, and all associated documents
• Oversee and manage inventory integrity and identify opportunities to reduce inventory levels
• Ensure IT systems in place are effective, accurate, and maintained; review opportunities to standardize and streamline IT systems utilizing current or new systems
• Ensure plans, schedules, and performance metrics are accurate and readily available for timely reporting to all appropriate business partners
• Provide leadership to Materials department; coach and develop direct reports and manage high performing teams that deliver continuous improvement, added value, and cost reductions
• Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance
• Ensure all functions within scope of responsibility operate in accordance with health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all team members and visitors
• Complete performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues, and procedures as appropriate
• Establish strategy and best practices for staff to ensure achievement of overall business objectives
• Partner with the senior management team to translate strategy into specific annual performance goals and departmental objectives, which include the development and tracking of KPIs
• Prepare the annual material/production planning and inventory budget and forecasts, as well as ensure compliance with customer and legal requirements; manage the budget from identification to completion of projects
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partnering with stakeholders to ensure material/production planning and inventory management objectives are being met
• Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on material/production planning and inventory management activities
• Ensure performance of suppliers, logistics partners, transportation companies and identify and implement improvements and cost savings where possible
• Ensure on time, high quality delivery to all customers
• Maintain excellent relationships with customers and monitor performance and progress of deliveries to ensure customer satisfaction while optimizing costs
• Review environmental strategies that impact future ways of operating and implement key strategies when and where possible
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in a key leadership/management role within a manufacturing facility, automotive/aftermarket manufacturing experience required.
• Previous experience of leading material/production planning and inventory management within an automotive or manufacturing environment, with expert knowledge and understanding of automotive processes, components, and supply chain management in an aftermarket and OE environment
• Expert knowledge of technical regulations and legislation related to field.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to optimize team performance and development.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage, negotiate, and manage key stakeholders, customers, and external providers.
• Proven analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Advanced Excel experience required.
• Knowledge of raw materials, distribution of goods, and manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of lean techniques
• Strong business acumen, preferably within management principles, strategic planning, critical thinking, budgeting, resource allocation, and human resources

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain Management, or related discipline, or a combination of education and experience
• Lean Certification preferred.
• Six Sigma Greenbelt/Blackbelt preferred.
• APICS Certification preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (Hiring Companies ATS Questions):

1. Do you have a strong background in supply chain/materials management

2. Do you have 10 years progressive experience (automotive very strongly preferred, but at minimum, plant manufacturing experience)

3. Do you have experience in a leadership/management role and a solid work history

4. Do you have knowledge and experience with raw materials and manufacturing processes

5. Do you have APICS or supply chain certification - Preferred

6. Must be a US Citizen or Green Card holder.