Materials Planning Manager

*This role is On-site to local candidates*

Position Summary

The Materials Manager is responsible for planning, purchasing, inventory control, and material flow to support production in a heavy metal fabrication, generator enclosures and related components space. This role ensures the timely availability of raw materials, fabricated components and purchased parts while maintaining optimal inventory levels, controlling costs, formulating production schedules and supporting on-time delivery to customers.

The Materials Manager works closely with production, engineering, quality and suppliers to ensure materials meet specifications and are available to support fabrication, welding, machining, finishing and assembly operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Material Planning & Production Support

• Develop and manage material requirements to support production schedules for generator enclosures and heavy fabricated assemblies.
• Coordinate with production planning and scheduling to ensure material availability aligns with manufacturing demand.
• Monitor material shortages and implement corrective actions to prevent production delays.
• Manage systems to maintain accurate demand forecasts and inventory levels.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Oversee purchasing of raw materials including steel sheet, plate, structural components, hardware, electrical components and outsourced fabrication services.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, reliable delivery and consistent quality.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery schedules with key suppliers.

Scheduling & Material Flow

• Oversee warehouse operations including receiving, material handling, storage and internal distribution to production.
• Ensure efficient movement of materials through fabrication, welding, finishing and assembly processes.
• Implement best practices for material staging and kitting to support manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety and material handling standards.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on material specifications and supplier qualification.
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes affecting material requirements.
• Work with finance to manage inventory valuation and cost control initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements in material flow, supplier performance, and inventory management.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and waste reduction efforts.
• Track and report key performance metrics such as inventory turns, supplier on-time delivery, and material availability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business or related experience.
• 5 years of experience in materials management, purchasing, or supply chain leadership in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in metal fabrication, heavy manufacturing, or industrial equipment manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, inventory control, and production planning.
• Experience sourcing raw metals, fabricated components, and industrial parts.
• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Experience supporting fabrication processes such as laser cutting, forming, welding, machining, paint and assembly.