What are the responsibilities and job description for the Materials Manager position at Gables Search Group?
A leading global Tier 1 automotive manufacturer specializing in engineered automotive components is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to join its Chattanooga, TN plant. Automotive Tier 1 or Tier 2 experience is required—no exceptions.
Position Summary
The Materials Manager is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for all materials, inventory, scheduling, and logistics functions that ensure efficient and cost-effective plant operations. This role oversees the entire materials department and certain assigned office/reception and HS&E functions.
Key Responsibilities
Position Summary
The Materials Manager is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for all materials, inventory, scheduling, and logistics functions that ensure efficient and cost-effective plant operations. This role oversees the entire materials department and certain assigned office/reception and HS&E functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a core contributor to the plant management team.
- Lead and supervise all materials department personnel, including office/reception and designated HS&E duties.
- Oversee production scheduling, raw-material planning, and maintenance of optimal raw-material and finished-goods inventory levels.
- Manage warehousing, shipping, and receiving operations.
- Review, analyze, and interpret customer releases.
- Execute MRP functions and issue vendor releases.
- Optimize freight utilization and drive cost-reduction initiatives.
- Ensure AS400 system accuracy and act as liaison to the IT department.
- Develop, manage, and monitor the department operating budget.
- Enforce safe work practices and HS&E compliance.
- Provide backup support for receiving as needed.
- Expertise in materials planning, inventory control, production scheduling, purchasing, logistics, warehousing, and shipping/receiving within a JIT manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as AS400, AS36, or similar platforms.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve sensitive or complex issues.
- Effective presentation skills with the ability to convey complex topics to senior leadership or external groups.
- Bachelor’s degree; or
- 1–2 years of relevant experience/training; or
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.