Supply Chain and Materials Manager

Department: Manufacturing/Operations/Service

Location: St. Louis

Description

The Supply Chain and Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end flow of materials, products, and services across the supply chain. This role combines materials management with supply chain strategy and execution, focusing on planning, procurement, inventory, logistics, and vendor relations to ensure timely delivery of components and cost-effective operations. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, production, quality, and finance to optimize supply chain performance while maintaining inventory accuracy, minimizing shortages, and improving supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of supply chain and materials strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Direct materials planning, procurement, inventory management, and logistics functions.
• Supervise and mentor buyers, planners, and inventory personnel, ensuring efficient execution of MRP and ERP systems.
• Oversee material flow throughout the supply chain and ensure appropriate planning parameters are maintained in the ERP system.
• Coordinate and execute sourcing strategies, considering cost, lead time, quality, and delivery performance.
• Ensure supplier performance through metrics, regular evaluations, corrective actions, and development plans.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, vendor consolidation, and contract negotiation.
• Collaborate with internal teams on new product launches, change orders, and inventory planning.
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations, HTS codes, customs clearance, and documentation requirements.
• Support continuous improvement in planning processes, inventory control systems, and supplier performance.
• Maintain healthy inventory levels through cycle counting, analysis, and obsolescence management.
• Coordinate the timely movement of materials and finished goods to support manufacturing and shipping schedules.
• Monitor department expenses, enforce purchasing approvals, and ensure responsible cost control.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and ensure alignment on expectations, service levels, and delivery standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly and/or indirectly supervises team members within the supply chain and materials function. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.



Qualifications

• Strong background in materials management, procurement, and supply chain planning.
• Experience working with global suppliers and managing long lead time components.
• Familiarity with customs regulations, HTS codes, and international logistics.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred).
• Ability to manage complex BOMs and maintain accurate master data.
• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to cost control, quality improvement, and process optimization.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments is preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 software; SAP knowledge or experience preferred

Education: Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university plus three to five years of related experience. Masters Degree, certifications in supply chain, procurement or six sigma green belt preferred.