Materials Manager

Materials Manager

The Materials Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling all materials-related activities to ensure uninterrupted production at HMI Glass. This role oversees inventory control, warehousing, and materials planning to support glass manufacturing operations while balancing cost, quality, and delivery performance. The Materials Manager plays a critical role in optimizing supply chain efficiency, maintaining inventory accuracy, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of employees through training, awareness and by example
• Maintain inspections and licenses of material handling equipment for employee safety
• Develop and execute materials plans that support production schedules and customer demand.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods to minimize stockouts and excess inventory.
• Implement and manage inventory control processes including cycle counting, physical inventories, and variance analysis.
• Monitor and improve key inventory metrics such as inventory turns and obsolete material reduction.
• Oversee procurement of raw materials, consumables, and packaging materials used in glass manufacturing.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms in alignment with company objectives.
• Collaborate with Quality and Engineering to resolve supplier quality or performance issues.
• Manage warehousing activities including receiving, storage, material handling, and shipping coordination.
• Ensure materials are handled and stored safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics to support production and customer delivery requirements.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage materials planning, purchasing, and inventory transactions.
• Prepare and analyze reports related to inventory valuation, material usage, supplier performance, and cost trends.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, safety standards, and applicable environmental regulations.
• Lead, coach, and develop materials and warehouse team members.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and supply chain best practices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Sales to support operational goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, operations, engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in materials management or supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment (glass or heavy manufacturing preferred).
• Strong knowledge of inventory control, purchasing, and MRP/ERP systems.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in glass manufacturing or high-temperature industrial processes
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Automation or equipment integration experience
• CAD experience (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Project management experience