Materials Manager - Leeds, AL

Our Switching and Fusing Business Unit in Leeds, AL is looking for a Materials Manager who will oversee all materials and inventory levels within the organization; managing the global supply chain, including inventory management, purchasing, material planning, and scheduling. This role is essential for developing annual inventory and service plans and monthly forecasts to ensure timely availability of materials at optimal costs, supporting production and operational success.

This position is crucial for maintaining the flow of materials necessary for efficient operations. By overseeing the entire lifecycle of materials-from procurement to distribution and disposal-the Materials Manager ensures that materials are available when needed, contributing significantly to the organization's efficiency and profitability. This strategic role helps streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity through effective material usage and strong supplier relationships.

The Materials Manager will report directly to the Plant Manager and will be responsible for establishing best practices and implementing a robust materials management system.

• Manage all aspects of supply chain management, inventory management, purchasing, material planning and scheduling, ensuring efficient material flow in and out of the facility at optimal inventory levels.
• Forecasting Leadership: Lead monthly Production, Sales, and Inventory (PSI) forecasts to align material availability with business needs. Provide guidance and facilitation of sales & marketing with centralized demand planning and inventory optimization monthly reviews inclusive of MTS/MTO FG and sub level components. Ensure alignment across cross functional Operations, Finance and materials to deliver one forecast.
• Cost Management: Support actions and drive material cost reductions in conjunction with strategic sourcing and advanced engineering manufacturing teams.
• Shortage Prevention: Identify and develop strategies to minimize component shortages and ensure continuous supply while optimizing inventory.
• Corporate Collaboration: Utilize corporate purchasing resources to leverage buying power, reduce lead times, and lower costs on major commodities.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and improve key performance indicators related to inventory, internal and customer on time service, past due, lead time, and supplier performance.
• Standard Procedures Development: Implement and oversee site standard work procedures that align with corporate guidelines and health metrics.
• Physical Inventory: Direct annual physical inventory processes, account for variances. Ensure team is fully trained to support end to end physical inventory activities.
• Reporting: Present timely and thorough inventory, internal and customer on time service, past due and supplier performance updates along with strategic plans to management.
• Procurement Strategy: Develop and maintain procurement strategies that balance quality, cost, and supply continuity.
• Supplier Management: Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and manage day to day disciplines in a timely manner while also maintaining alignment as Corporate negotiates contracts and managing disputes to ensure timely delivery.
• Customer Priorities: Align and work closely with Customer service to meet the needs and priorities of our customers.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the materials management team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work with production, finance, corporate materials, corporate sourcing and quality control teams to meet material requirements and optimize inventory management.
• Technology Integration: Leverage existing technologies for effective materials management and collaborate with corporate teams to implement solutions.
• Training and Development: Train and onboard new materials management staff, ensuring they are equipped to meet organizational

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in materials management.
• Proven leadership experience managing direct reports, particularly in scheduling and warehousing roles.
• Strong knowledge of SAP and inventory management practices.
• Advanced knowledge of forecasting and budgeting processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with large teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.