Materials Manager

Materials Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Type: Full-Time | On-Site

A shift: Monday-Friday 6AM–3:00 PM or 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

For over 24 years, the company has delivered excellence through precision-engineered, build-to-order vehicle components from cockpits to fascia assemblies. Our award-winning team combines advanced lean manufacturing, strong product development, and a highly efficient supply chain to meet customer demands with reliability and innovation.

If you're looking for a company that empowers you to grow while driving excellence, collaboration, and innovation to create real impact, we’d love to meet you.

The role

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Materials Manager to lead our materials planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory control operations. This role is responsible for overseeing a cross-functional team and driving efficient, cost-effective materials management processes that align with organizational goals and customer requirements. The ideal candidate is an innovative, data-driven leader with a passion for supply chain excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational growth.

This position is based on-site at our Chicago, IL facility and reports to the plant manager as part of the Materials team.

What You’ll Do

• Team Leadership & Development: Direct and support departmental staff, ensuring effective training, performance evaluation, and professional development to meet current and future business needs.
• Materials Planning & Coordination: Collaborate with manufacturing and customers to schedule production, manage transportation logistics, and maintain optimal inventory levels to meet demand.
• Systems & Reporting: Develop, implement, and maintain procedures for accurate and timely materials management reporting.
• Supplier Management: Oversee supplier relationships, focusing on performance metrics and participating in program management activities as needed.
• Procurement & Inventory Control: Ensure timely procurement of production and service components. Monitor inventory levels and cycle counts to meet company goals and maintain accuracy.
• Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization: Identify and drive initiatives for process improvement and cost reduction across materials operations.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and track Key Operating Indicators (KOIs) to measure departmental success and support strategic goals.
• Packaging & Logistics Oversight: Manage packaging and freight strategies, including premium freight, routing, and compliance with customer packaging requirements (e.g., CLIPS).
• PFEP Management: Review and maintain the Plan for Every Part (PFEP), ensuring appropriate Min/Max inventory levels across all locations.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all activities are properly documented and comply with company policies, including emergency evacuation procedures.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field, MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Bailed Material Operation materials management, including direct supervision of staff, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Owned Material Operation materials management, with demonstrated leadership in staff supervision, ideally in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) and materials management systems such as Trans4M.
• Familiarity with departmental procedures and guidelines related to materials operations.
• CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management), CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager), or APP (Associate Professional in Supply Chain Management) certifications are preferred.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Multilingual capabilities are a plus.

Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements:

• Typical physical demands include a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, with sufficient mobility to navigate both office and plant environments.
• Ability to perform standard computer-based tasks as part of daily responsibilities. Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% as required by the role.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Our success is rooted in meaningful relationships and a culture that feels like family. We champion compassion, respect, and work-life balance, while supporting each team member’s personal and professional growth. Through ongoing development, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our people to thrive both at work and in life.

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