Materials Manager

Core Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.