Materials Manager

Purpose / Scope

The Materials Manager serves as the functional leader for master scheduling, material planning, purchasing, inventory control, and material flow operations at the Holland, Michigan facility. Reporting to the Materials Director, this role is accountable for driving S&OP execution, optimizing inventory through SAP S/4HANA and Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), and leading a high-performing materials team. The role champions PFEP (Plan for Every Part) methodology standardizes planning and scheduling processes and serves as the primary plant interface with international affiliates. This leader is also responsible for ensuring full compliance with ISO requirements and embedding a continuous improvement culture throughout the materials function.

General Responsibilities

• Lead and develop process excellence for materials management, fostering a team culture built on accountability, collaboration, and operational discipline.
• Direct materials team performance across all key operating metrics: safety, quality, on-time delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Ensure a safe work environment for all team members through rigorous adherence to safety protocols, proactive hazard identification, and active leadership of the site Safety Committee.
• Own and optimize SIOP execution, ensuring material plans are aligned with demand signals and inventory targets are right sized for the business.
• Lead SAP S/4HANA and EWM utilization across the materials function — driving adoption, process compliance, and continuous improvement within the system landscape.
• Implement and govern planning policies, PFEP frameworks, and inventory management strategies that balance service levels with working capital efficiency.
• Manage new product introduction/development (NPI/D) processes, ensuring seamless material readiness and BOM accuracy in support of project timelines.
• Control inventory through structured lifecycle management, including deadstock identification, scrap disposition, and supplier performance accountability.
• Identify and resolve supply chain constraints and bottlenecks with a focus on increasing service levels, reducing cost, and scaling lean practices.
• Drive the materials technology roadmap in partnership with IT — identifying S/4HANA and EWM enhancements, leading system improvement projects, and ensuring tools deliver measurable business value.
• Develop data analytics capabilities and supply chain KPI dashboards to provide real-time visibility and support data-driven decision-making.
• Champion LEAN initiatives across the materials function — establishing standard work, tier board management, and material flow discipline within production and warehouse environments.
• Partner with internal customers and cross-functional operations leaders to deliver on financial and operational commitments.
• Collaborate with Operations leadership to contribute to the annual update of the operations roadmap.
• Build a high-performing, future-ready supply chain team through strategic recruiting, succession planning, and career development.

Required Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Operations, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or operations roles.
• 5–7 years of direct people leadership experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Proven track record of delivering results through Lean/CI initiatives (Lean Six Sigma certification preferred).
• Experience with international supply chains, multi-site operations, and global affiliates.
• Strong Production planning background in high mix, high volume environment
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Deep proficiency in SAP S/4HANA or ERP equivalent, including MM, PP, and EWM modules, this includes hands-on experience with IBP.
• Strong understanding of supply chain planning processes: SIOP, demand planning, MRP, and inventory optimization.
• Working knowledge of ISO compliance requirements in a manufacturing context.
• Experience in aftermarket or distribution environments; ability to manage both make-to-order and make-to-stock scenarios.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, coach, and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate operational data into strategic insights.
• Big-picture thinker with the ability to drive sustainable, systemic process improvements.
• Customer-centric mindset — internally and externally.
• Self-motivated and results-driven; thrives in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; effective at all organizational levels.
• Strong LEAN background — proficient in 5S, standard work, value stream mapping, and kaizen facilitation.
• Proven project management capability; able to lead cross-functional initiatives from concept to execution
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data tools and supply chain KPI reporting.
• Strategic mindset with an eye toward technology enablement and organizational scalability.