Job Description

The Material Control Manager is responsible for directing and coordinating all material planning, inventory management, warehousing, inventory processes, receiving, shipping, supplier coordination, and material flow activities to support manufacturing operations. This role ensures the uninterrupted flow of raw materials, purchased components, consumables, and finished goods throughout the facility while optimizing inventory investment, supplier performance, and operational efficiency.

The position serves as the primary liaison between Production, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules, customer requirements, and business objectives. The Material Control Manager leads inventory control initiatives, develops supplier partnerships, manages warehouse and material flow operations, drives continuous improvement activities, and provides strategic leadership for all material management functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Material Planning & Supply Chain Management

• Lead and facilitate the Material Planning team to ensure uninterrupted material availability for production.
• Develop and execute material planning strategies to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Coordinate procurement activities with Purchasing to ensure timely acquisition of production materials.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to improve delivery performance, quality, responsiveness, and cost management.
• Monitor supplier performance and establish corrective action plans when performance expectations are not met.
• Create contingency plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions, material shortages, transportation delays, or supplier-related issues.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for production and quality concerns related to material availability and supplier performance.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support new product introductions, production launches, and operational expansions.
• Analyze demand forecasts and production schedules to develop material requirements plans.
• Lead initiatives to optimize inbound and outbound material flow processes.

Inventory Management & Control

• Develop, implement, and maintain inventory control systems that ensure inventory accuracy and material availability.
• Establish inventory targets, safety stock levels, reorder points, and replenishment strategies.
• Conduct inventory audits, cycle counts, and physical inventories to validate inventory accuracy.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory performance metrics including inventory turns, excess inventory, obsolete inventory, and carrying costs.
• Develop strategies to reduce inventory investment while maintaining service levels.
• Maintain accurate inventory records within ERP, MRP, and warehouse management systems.

Warehouse & Material Flow Operations

• Direct all receiving, warehousing, material handling, storage, and shipping activities.
• Ensure proper material identification, traceability, storage, and handling practices.
• Develop warehouse layouts and material flow processes to maximize efficiency and space utilization.
• Oversee transportation and material flow activities for inbound and outbound shipments.
• Coordinate delivery schedules and transportation requirements with suppliers and carriers.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, transportation regulations, and customer requirements.
• Monitor warehouse productivity, shipping accuracy, and receiving performance metrics.
• Establish and maintain standards for material movement throughout the facility.

Production Support

• Coordinate material availability to support manufacturing schedules and customer commitments.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to resolve material-related challenges.
• Prioritize material allocation during shortages or supply disruptions.
• Support production ramp-ups, operational expansions, and new product launches.
• Develop alternative sourcing and recovery plans during abnormal operating conditions.
• Ensure materials are staged and available to production areas according to schedule requirements.

Leadership & Employee Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of material planners, inventory specialists, warehouse supervisors, shipping personnel, receiving personnel, and material handlers.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Conduct employee performance reviews and development planning activities.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, cross-training, and employee development initiatives.
• Effectively communicate organizational goals, priorities, and performance expectations.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on material flow, inventory management, warehouse efficiency, and supply chain performance.
• Analyze operational performance data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement standardized work processes and best practices.
• Utilize root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies to resolve operational challenges.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities throughout the supply chain.
• Monitor and improve key operational metrics.

Financial & Budget Responsibilities

• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Monitor inventory investment and carrying costs.
• Manage staffing allocations and labor utilization within the department.
• Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Track and report cost savings initiatives and operational efficiencies.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies and procedures.
• Promote safe warehouse, inventory, and material handling practices.
• Conduct routine safety audits and inspections.
• Support OSHA compliance and facility safety initiatives.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of materials according to regulatory and company requirements.
• Maintain compliance with quality standards and inventory control procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises Materials Planning, Inventory Control, Warehouse, Shipping, Receiving, and material handling personnel.
• Responsible for employee engagement, coaching, development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Leads employees in accordance with company values, policies, and leadership expectations.
• Establishes departmental goals and monitors progress toward achievement.

Qualifications (education, experience, skills, personal attributes):

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of progressive experience in Materials Management, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Inventory Control, or Manufacturing Operations.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of ERP, MRP, inventory control, and warehouse management systems.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and material planning activities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, or equivalent professional certification.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience in fabrication, welding, industrial manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, or heavy industrial operations.
• Experience supporting multi-shift manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of BPCS/AS400, SAP, Oracle, QAD, Mendix, Power BI, or similar business systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of supply chain management, procurement, inventory management, supplier development, and material flow operations.
• Strong understanding of production planning and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
• Strong financial and business acumen.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout manufacturing, warehouse, and office environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, climb stairs, and navigate industrial environments.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and manufacturing conditions.

Working Conditions

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. Exposure to forklifts, cranes, industrial machinery, production equipment, varying temperatures, and moderate to high noise levels may occur. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required while in operational areas.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Problem-solving mindset with a sense of urgency
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build effective partnerships
• Commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement

This position is NOT eligible for visa sponsorship.

EEO Statement: Victaulic is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic data, or other legally protected status. Background checks may be required as part of our pre-employment process.

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