Materials & Supply Chain Manager

Job Title: Materials & Supply Chain Manager 

Reports To: Director of Operations

Job Purpose

The Materials & Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for overseeing all Materials requirements for a manufacturing facility producing engineered-to-order/custom environmental test chambers, where production is low volume (approx. 150 units/year) with high complexity. This manager will develop and execute strategic materials management initiatives to ensure the timely acquisition of specialized components, optimize inventory levels for project-based builds, and manage supplier relationships to guarantee quality, cost-effectiveness, and delivery to meet specific customer requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Procurement & Sourcing:
  • Lead the strategic sourcing and procurement of raw materials, components, and services, with a strong emphasis on highly customized and engineered-to-order (ETO) parts.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with key suppliers, ensuring favorable terms for cost, quality, and delivery for unique specifications.
  • Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers based on technical capabilities, quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001 procedures), and risk mitigation strategies.
• Inventory & Logistics Management:
  • Develop and manage inventory control processes tailored for project-based manufacturing, balancing component demand and cost while minimizing excess and obsolete (E&O) stock.  Partner with Finance, Engineering, and Sales to manage and disposition E&O.
  • Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, ensuring efficient storage, handling, and movement of sensitive or high-value materials.
  • Implement and maintain accurate inventory records through robust cycle counting programs and effective use of SAP.
  • Production & Project Coordination:
  • Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, and Project Management teams during the design and development to ensure supply chain capability and capacity.
  • Align material flow with dynamic production schedules and project timelines, proactively identifying and resolving potential material shortages or delays.

• Develop and maintain standards for elements of item masters that affect the Materials function.
• Assure that the Materials organization executes timely and accurately as it relates to Engineering Changes 
• Leadership & Continuous Improvement:
• Develop and implement materials management strategies that increase efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness tailored to an engineered-to-order/custom manufacturing environment.
• Monitor and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery (OTD), price variance, and inventory turnover, providing regular reports to management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the materials team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and process optimization 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, operations management, engineering, or a related field or a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in materials management, procurement, or supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a management/supervisory role.
• Proven experience working in a highly customized, engineered-to-order, or project-based manufacturing setting is essential.
• Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) is required.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities to manage diverse suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge of quality and safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ISO 9001).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills complemented by professional appearance.
• Prefer an experienced full-charge Materials Manager[DC1]  from a similar manufacturing environment (ETO). Experience will include inventory control, hands-on purchasing, vendor relations, and strategic supply management.
• Mechanical aptitude preferred 

Working Conditions

• Mostly stationary work with occasional movement throughout the facility to access files, office machinery, etc. 
• Works at a desk and a computer screen for extended periods of time. 
• Employee must be able to manually enter data into the computer system and understand the screen and images that appear. Frequently lifting and carrying up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs. 
• Use of hands to hold, lift and handle materials. 
• Occasional climbing, bending and squatting. 

Direct Reports

Direct Reports:       Purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and logistics personnel.

FLSA: 

 [DC1]Typically, the Materials function is responsible for scheduling production.  How does that happen here at WNA?  I think we’d want that experience should we want to transition that responsibility in the future.