Materials Leader/Manager

Materials Manager- Strategic planning for production jobs

Location: Mesa, AZ

About the Opportunity

Our client is an established manufacturing company focused on delivering high-quality products through efficient operations, strong supplier partnerships, and continuous improvement. The organization values teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence.

The Opportunity

The Materials Manager will oversee materials planning, purchasing, inventory management, and warehouse operations to support production schedules and customer commitments. This individual will work closely with internal departments and external suppliers to maintain material availability, control costs, improve processes, and ensure the efficient flow of materials throughout the operation. The most important skill is planning for production jobs. This person will help drive the company's growth and be a key strategic player.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and material flow to meet production requirements.
• Manage shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships to support quality, pricing, and on-time delivery.
• Monitor inventory levels and implement strategies to minimize shortages, excess inventory, and waste.
• Coordinate materials planning and scheduling with production and other internal departments.
• Oversee cycle counts, inventory audits, and process improvement initiatives.
• Resolve material shortages, supplier delays, quality issues, and changing production priorities.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and quality teams to ensure materials meet requirements.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, and purchasing terms.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to inventory, purchasing, and material flow.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in materials management, purchasing, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Must have Strategic Planning skills (ideally - manufacturing and production)
• Experience overseeing inventory, production planning, purchasing, and warehouse functions.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and strong Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage inventory levels, forecast material requirements, and control costs.
• Experience leading or coordinating warehouse, shipping, receiving, or planning personnel.
• Strong supplier negotiation, vendor management, and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a key operational function, collaborate across departments, and make a measurable impact on production performance, inventory management, and overall business efficiency.