Materials Manager

Position Summary

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading all materials planning, purchasing, inventory control, stockroom operations, and inbound supply chain activities for the Kennesaw Controls Solutions business. This role plays a critical part in ensuring uninterrupted material availability while balancing inventory investment, supplier performance, and customer delivery requirements.

Reporting into site Plant Manager, the Materials Manager leads a team of buyers, planners, supervisors, and stockroom personnel while partnering closely with Production, Engineering, Sales, Project Management, Sourcing, and Corporate Procurement. The successful candidate will leverage ERP/MRP systems, forecasting tools, and data analysis to drive material availability, improve inventory performance, support S&OP processes, and develop long-term supply chain strategies.

This role requires a hands-on supply chain leader who can analyze complex problems, make data-driven decisions, influence stakeholders across multiple functions, and continuously improve planning and procurement processes.

As A Materials Manager, You Will:

• Lead all materials management, purchasing, planning, inventory control, stockroom, and inbound logistics activities for the Kennesaw facility.
• Manage and develop a team of approximately 13 employees, including buyers, planners, supervisors, and stockroom personnel.
• Serve as the primary site leader for materials planning and inventory strategy, ensuring uninterrupted supply to support customer demand and production requirements.
• Partner with Production, Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to align material planning activities with business objectives.
• Utilize Oracle and other ERP/MRP systems to manage demand planning, supply planning, inventory optimization, and material flow.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory turns, forecast accuracy, customer service levels, supplier performance, and overall supply chain efficiency.
• Work closely with the S&OP organization to support demand planning, forecast reviews, capacity discussions, and long-range planning activities.
• Collaborate with Corporate Procurement and Global Sourcing teams to support supplier strategies, cost containment initiatives, inflation mitigation efforts, and supplier performance improvement.
• Manage supplier relationships across domestic, international, and intercompany suppliers, including manufacturing operations in Mexico and Italy.
• Analyze material requirements, supplier constraints, inventory trends, and operational risks to proactively prevent production disruptions.
• Lead efforts to reduce excess and obsolete inventory while maintaining appropriate service levels.
• Support and develop Kanban, pull systems, consignment programs, and other lean material replenishment strategies.
• Monitor and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs), including inventory turns, supplier delivery performance, material shortages, backlog reduction, forecast attainment, and customer service metrics.
• Present material planning strategies, business updates, and performance metrics to site and senior leadership teams.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in materials management, production planning, supply chain, inventory management, purchasing, or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading teams within purchasing, planning, materials management, inventory control, or supply chain operations.
• Strong experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems for supply planning, inventory management, forecasting, and procurement activities.
• Working knowledge of Oracle, SAP, JD Edwards, Infor, or similar ERP platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed business decisions.
• Experience supporting Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or demand planning processes.
• Experience working cross-functionally with operations, manufacturing, procurement, engineering, and supplier partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
• Legal work authorization in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Ability to travel approximately 5%.

Preferred Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), APICS CPIM, CSCP, or similar supply chain certification.
• Experience leading materials organizations within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience with Oracle ERP systems.
• Experience implementing planning improvements, inventory optimization initiatives, Kanban replenishment systems, or lean materials management processes.
• Experience managing global supplier relationships and intercompany supply networks.
• Demonstrated success improving inventory turns, reducing shortages, minimizing excess inventory, and enhancing supplier performance.

Location and Onsite Presence:

This position is primarily onsite at our manufacturing facility located at 1065 Big Shanty Road NW in Kennesaw, GA, conveniently located across from Kennesaw State University and just minutes from I-75. As the successful candidate becomes established in the role and demonstrates strong performance, there may be flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement. Any hybrid schedule will be determined based on business needs, job responsibilities, and individual performance.

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