What are the responsibilities and job description for the Materials Flow Manager position at The Carlstar Group?
Job Summary
The Materials Flow Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory planning/control, receiving, shipping, storage, and flow of direct and indirect materials for the facility. This role ensures uninterrupted production by aligning material availability with complex, multi-stage tire manufacturing processes while optimizing inventory, cost, and supplier performance. The position oversees the Materials department including all scheduling, receiving, shipping and relevant procurement functions.
Materials Manager
Required Qualifications
The Materials Flow Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory planning/control, receiving, shipping, storage, and flow of direct and indirect materials for the facility. This role ensures uninterrupted production by aligning material availability with complex, multi-stage tire manufacturing processes while optimizing inventory, cost, and supplier performance. The position oversees the Materials department including all scheduling, receiving, shipping and relevant procurement functions.
Materials Manager
- Manages end-to-end material flow for tire production, including natural/synthetic rubber, carbon black, steel cord, bead wire, and chemical additives, ensuring uninterrupted operations across mixing, extrusion, and curing processes
- Directs inventory control strategies for high-volume, batch-controlled materials, improving inventory accuracy and reducing excess/obsolete stock
- Aligns material requirements with production schedules using MRP/ERP systems, minimizing line stoppages and optimizing throughput
- Develop scheduling systems and procedures to optimize plant throughput and ensure synchronization between all value streams
- Develops team to operate autonomously and have high focus on results
- Oversees procurement and supplier performance for critical raw materials, negotiating relevant pricing and improving on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery
- Mitigates supply chain risks related to volatile raw materials (e.g., natural rubber) through strategic sourcing and safety stock planning
- Leads warehouse and logistics operations for bulk and hazardous materials, improving storage efficiency and material handling processes
- Implements lean and continuous improvement initiatives, reducing material waste, scrap, and production downtime
- Collaborates with Quality and Engineering teams to ensure material compliance, traceability, and successful introduction of new tire products
- Monitors and reported key KPIs including inventory turns, material availability, and production disruptions due to shortages
- Develops and implements internal programs such as communications, training, work simplification, cost reduction and other programs as needed
- Ensures compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations related to chemical handling and storage
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field
- 5 years of experience in materials management within a manufacturing environment (tire, rubber, or chemical preferred)
- Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems
- Experience managing bulk raw materials and complex supply chains
- Experience in tire, rubber, or polymer manufacturing
- APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP)
- Knowledge of rubber compounding processes and material characteristics
- Lean / Six Sigma certification