Our client, a well-established manufacturer based in the Montague, MI area, is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead their materials and supply chain operations. This is a critical leadership role responsible for driving the overall materials strategy across production planning, inventory control, logistics, procurement, and customer fulfillment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Lean manufacturing environments and a proven ability to build efficient and scalable materials systems.Working closely with the Plant Manager and other cross-functional leaders, the Materials Manager will ensure the smooth and cost-effective flow of materials through the facility—supporting consistent on-time delivery to customers, reducing waste, and improving plant-wide operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 4-year college-level education
• Solid background in materials management within a manufacturing environment
• Experience with MRP, ERP, or MES systems
• Proficient in Lean systems for production scheduling, inventory control, and process improvement
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills for both internal collaboration and external customer support
• Familiarity with budget development and cost containment strategies

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience supervising materials or logistics teams in a high-volume manufacturing setting
• Working knowledge of capacity planning, forecasting, and supplier management
• Background in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
• ERP implementation or system testing experience
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards applicable to manufacturing

• Develop and implement a comprehensive materials strategy in coordination with the Plant Manager
• Oversee supply chain operations including purchasing, logistics, receiving, shipping, and inventory control
• Lead the creation of Sales Forecast Reports and Master Production Plans based on customer demand and historical trends
• Manage inventory levels (Raw, WIP, Finished Goods) to ensure efficient production flow while minimizing costs
• Serve as the point of contact for customer delivery issues, logistics delays, or production disruptions
• Maintain accurate reporting for lost or damaged customer-supplied goods and premium freight costs
• Evaluate internal capacity constraints and adjust plans to optimize machine utilization and labor allocation
• Provide supervisors with timely and accurate production schedules
• Supervise and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
• Oversee compliance with company policies, safety practices, 5S, and housekeeping standards
• Train staff on Production & Inventory Control, ERP/MRP systems, Lean tools, and materials management practices
• Configure supplier settings in ERP/MRP systems, including testing and validation
• Develop departmental budgets aligned with plant profitability and cost reduction goals
• Maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics to ensure delivery and quality standards are met
• Implement and manage an effective cycle counting program to maintain accurate inventory records
• Ensure all departmental policies comply with relevant laws and internal quality standards