What are the responsibilities and job description for the Materials Manager position at Standard Locknut?
Position Overview:
The Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing supply chain functions related to material purchasing, production scheduling, inventory control, and warehousing. This role requires close collaboration with internal departments, including Sales, to align sourcing strategies with customer requirements and company objectives, as well as with Production to ensure resource capacity meets demand. The Materials Manager plays a key role in ensuring materials are procured cost-effectively, production schedules are maintained to meet customer needs, and inventory levels are optimized to support operations efficiently without excess.
Key Responsibilities:
Purchasing & Supplier Management:
- Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to secure cost-effective, high-quality materials and services.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with vendors to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
- Evaluate supplier performance regularly and address issues related to quality, cost, or delivery timelines.
- Maintain accurate and organized records of supplier agreements, purchase orders, and transactions.
- Collaborate with the Sales team to support the quoting process by sourcing materials based on specifications and cost requirements for new projects.
- Partner with Quality Management to ensure vendor compliance with environmental and regulatory governance requirements.
Production Scheduling & Planning:
- Work closely with Production teams to create, implement, and maintain effective production schedules that optimize resource utilization and meet delivery deadlines.
- Monitor production progress, proactively adjust schedules, and address disruptions to avoid delays.
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify material requirements based on forecasted demand.
- Manage lead times and ensure timely availability of materials to meet production schedules.
Inventory & Warehouse Management:
- Oversee inventory management processes to maintain optimal stock levels, avoiding overstocking or shortages.
- Develop and implement strategies for inventory control to minimize waste and improve cost-efficiency.
- Coordinate with warehouse staff to streamline material handling, storage, and distribution processes.
- Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy and address discrepancies promptly.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Act as a liaison between departments, fostering effective communication to ensure alignment on material needs, production timelines, and customer expectations.
- Support the development of supply chain strategies that align with organizational goals and industry best practices.
- Provide regular updates to stakeholders on key performance metrics related to supply chain operations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, or 10 years of relevant industry experience.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in supply chain, materials management, or a similar role.
- Strong knowledge of supply chain management principles, production scheduling, and inventory control.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements related to materials and supply chain operations.
Preferred Skills:
- APICS or other relevant supply chain certification(s).
- Familiarity with SIOP or other forecasting processes
- Experience in manufacturing or industrial settings, particularly with steel, aluminum, and other commodity materials.
- Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to occasionally lift materials up to 40 lbs.
- Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Standard Locknut is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
