Manufacturing Materials Manager

Position: Materials Manager
BU: TE – Dakota Bodies
Location: Liberty, Missouri

Position Summary

The Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, procurement, storage, control, and distribution of materials and supplies within the manufacturing plant. This role ensures that production schedules are met by maintaining optimal inventory levels, managing vendor relationships, and streamlining material flow to support operational efficiency, cost savings, and high-quality production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement materials management strategies to support production demands and minimize downtime.
• Lead, coach, and manage the materials team, including buyers, planners, and inventory staff.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, material handling, and warehouse operations.
• Forecast material requirements based on production schedules and sales forecasts.
• Establish and monitor inventory targets, reorder points, and safety stock levels.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Develop and maintain accurate material master data in ERP/MRP systems.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and report on KPIs such as inventory accuracy, supplier performance, and cost savings.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve material-related issues.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and control costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5 years of experience in materials management, supply chain, or related role within a manufacturing environment.