Materials and Procurement Manager

J&O Plastics is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Materials and Procurement Manager to oversee materials management, procurement, and inventory. This role is critical in aligning supply chain functions with production demands, optimizing inventory levels, and ensuring a seamless flow of materials to support operational goals. The ideal candidate will work closely with purchasing, production, and finance teams to maintain an efficient and cost-effective supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Materials Management:

• Develop and implement effective material planning strategies to ensure uninterrupted production, balancing cost efficiency and material availability.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to minimize holding costs while preventing shortages and ensuring material availability for production schedules.
• Identify material variances and work with production teams to mitigate discrepancies by analyzing root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Oversee procurement activities to ensure efficient material flow and cost-effectiveness, focusing on supplier reliability and cost savings.

Materials Procurement:

• Develop and manage vendor relationships to ensure quality, cost-effective, and timely supply of materials, negotiating long-term contracts when beneficial.
• Research, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers for the best pricing and contract terms, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards.
• Monitor and analyze procurement trends to optimize purchasing decisions and drive cost savings while maintaining quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to mitigate risks and maintain ethical sourcing practices.
• Collaborate with finance to manage purchase orders, invoices, and supplier payments, ensuring accuracy and timely processing to maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers to enhance supply chain resilience.
• Issue purchase orders (POs) and ensure timely fulfillment of purchasing requirements, tracking supplier performance and delivery timelines.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation, ensuring proper reconciliation of orders and invoices.
• Work with internal stakeholders to assess material needs and prioritize procurement based on production demands and cost-efficiency goals.

Collaboration with Production Scheduling:

• Work closely with the production scheduling team to ensure material availability aligns with manufacturing timelines and demand forecasts.
• Provide material requirement updates and adjust procurement plans based on changes in the production schedule.
• Support scheduling efforts by ensuring timely delivery of raw materials and components to avoid production delays.
• Collaborate with production and supply chain teams to enhance efficiency in material flow and minimize lead times.

Inventory Control & Optimization:

• Implement inventory control procedures, including cycle counting and inventory accuracy audits, ensuring inventory integrity and reducing discrepancies.
• Utilize ERP systems to track inventory levels, movements, and transactions, providing real-time visibility into inventory performance.
• Analyze inventory data to identify slow-moving and obsolete stock, recommending disposition strategies to reduce waste and free up working capital.
• Optimize warehouse layout and material handling processes for efficiency, improving storage utilization and reducing material handling time.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate closely with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure material specifications meet product requirements and support production goals.
• Communicate effectively with sales and customer service teams to align delivery timelines and customer expectations, improving service levels.
• Act as the primary point of contact for material and procurement-related issues, ensuring rapid resolution of any supply chain disruptions to maintain operational continuity.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead and mentor a team of material planners, buyers, and inventory coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the team, driving efficiency and innovation in supply chain operations.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team members' skills and knowledge, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and company objectives.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 5-7 years of experience in materials management, procurement, inventory control, or supply chain operations, preferably in manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, or direct-to-retail fulfillment environments.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in inventory management and procurement software (Plex by Rockwell or similar ERP/MRP systems), ensuring data-driven decision-making.
• Certifications (Preferred): APICS CPIM, CSCP, or Lean Six Sigma certifications to demonstrate industry expertise.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive strategic initiatives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and team management.

Key Competencies:

• Attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring high standards in materials planning and procurement.
• Ability to forecast demand and align inventory accordingly, reducing stockouts and excess inventory.
• Strong procurement and negotiation skills, ensuring cost savings and supplier reliability.
• Leadership skills to manage and train team members effectively, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Strong ability to drive continuous improvement and cost-efficiency in material planning and procurement, ensuring long-term business sustainability.

Work Environment:

• Combination of office, warehouse, and production environments, requiring adaptability and hands-on engagement.
• Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers, attend industry events, or support multiple facilities.

If you are a results-driven professional looking to make an impact in a fast-paced manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, or direct-to-retail fulfillment environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity at J&O Plastics!

About Us:

At J&O Plastics, we are experts in precision injection molding. We serve customers and vendors alike with top-tier services and abilities from our centrally located Ohio facility.

We pride ourselves on our humble beginnings and commitment to innovation. What began as a small plastic products manufacturer inside a barn in Lodi, Ohio, has now grown to a company employing over 200 people and spanning two locations- Rittman and Wadsworth, Ohio. We are thankful for our widespread success and remain dedicated to the idea that no task gets done without teamwork.

Why you will enjoy working at J&O Plastics:

· Inclusive team environment with people who support each other

· Healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision) starting on first day of employment

· Paid time off

· 401(k) plus company match

· Voluntary short-and long-term disability coverage

· Group Life Insurance (Company Paid)

· Voluntary Life Insurance

· Paid parental leave

· Competitive wage that is paid weekly

· On the job training and career growth opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Rittman, OH 44270 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $105,000