Materials Manager

90 days Shortage Frequency - Zero production line stops attributable to preventable material shortages Supplier Quality (PPM) - Incoming defect rate trending downward; SCAR closure within 30 days Strategic Material Positioning - Critical long-lead items stocked to agreed safety levels 100% of the time Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree a plus. 7-10+ years of progressive supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment, including a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or team lead role overseeing buyers, planners, or buyer planners. Demonstrated experience managing material planning and procurement in an electromechanical, electrical equipment, or industrial manufacturing environment; power distribution industry experience strongly preferred. Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, Infor, IFS, or comparable); must be capable of diagnosing and resolving MRP planning issues, not just reporting on them. Proven track record of driving inventory turn improvement while maintaining or improving material availability candidates must be able to quantify results from prior roles. Experience managing supplier performance programs including QBRs, SCARs, and supplier development initiatives. Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at both the tactical (daily shortage management, Buyer Planner supervision) and strategic (commodity positioning, supply risk, capital investment) levels simultaneously. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills; demonstrated track record of working effectively with project management, sales, engineering, production, and finance. Excellent communication skills able to translate supply chain complexity into clear, actionable information for operations leaders, sales teams, and customers. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools for inventory, spend, and supplier performance reporting. Preferred APICS CPIM or CSCP certification; ISM C.P.M. or CPSM. Experience with power distribution products: PDCs, STS, RPPs, switchgear, UPS systems, and associated electromechanical components. Familiarity with UL, ANSI, NEMA, NEC, and IEC standards relevant to power distribution equipment and their impact on sourcing and supplier qualification. Experience developing and executing commodity strategies for electromechanical components (breakers, bus duct, transformers, enclosures, power electronics). Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt; experience leading kaizen events in a supply chain or warehouse environment. Experience with strategic inventory programs: vendor-managed inventory (VMI), consignment agreements, supplier-stocked buffer programs, or blanket PO/call-off arrangements. Experience with import compliance, customs, and international supplier management. Core Competencies Supply Chain Leadership & Team Development Strategic Material Positioning & Risk Management Cross-Functional Collaboration MRP/ERP Mastery & Data Governance Inventory Optimization (Turns vs. Availability) Supplier Relationship & Performance Management Project-Aligned Material Planning Demand Sensing & Capacity Awareness Escalation Judgment & Crisis Management Continuous Improvement Leadership Commercial Acumen & Cost Management Executive Communication & Reporting Working Conditions and Physical Requirements On-site presence is required daily; this is not a remote or hybrid role. Visibility on the manufacturing floor is a core component of the position. Regular time in the production facility, warehouse, and receiving areas; exposure to moderate noise, industrial equipment, and electrical assemblies is routine. Travel up to 20%: supplier visits, strategic sourcing reviews, industry conferences, and occasional customer engagement. Must be available for escalated supply chain issues outside of standard business hours when production continuity is at risk. Physically able to walk manufacturing floor areas, access storage locations, and participate in physical inventory activities. Benefits 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance