Materials Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

A JIT Plant Materials Manager needsstrongleadership, deep JIT/Lean expertise, ERP proficiency (like SAP), inventory optimization skills, supplier relationship management, and advanced problem-solving. Focusing on flawless material flow, minimal waste, and high quality to support lean manufacturing.

Materials Manager Core Knowledge & Skills

• Just-In-Time (JIT) / Lean Manufacturing:Deep understanding of JIT principles, continuous improvement (Kaizen), waste reduction, and managing material flow in lean environments.
• Inventory Management:Expertise in optimizing inventory levels, demand forecasting, MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), and balancing costs with production needs.
• Supply Chain Management:Strong procurement, vendor management, logistics, and understanding of global supply chains.
• Production Planning:Ability to integrate material flow with production schedules and manage material budgets.
• Quality Control:Knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and ensuring material quality for zero defects.

Technical & Software Proficiency

• ERP Systems:High proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning software (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Microsoft Office Suite:Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, Word skills for reporting and analysis.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Team Leadership:Ability to lead, motivate, coach, and develop teams.
• Communication:Excellent verbal and written skills for interacting with staff, suppliers, and senior management.
• Problem-Solving:Strong analytical and decisive problem-solving skills for rapid issue resolution.
• Change Management:Ability to drive continuous improvement and act as a proactive change agent.

Education & Certifications (Preferred)

• Degree:Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or Industrial Engineering.
• Certifications:APICS (CPIM, CSCP) or ISM (CPM) certifications are highly valued indicators of capability.

Experience

• 5+ years experience in automotive JIT supply chain management, or equivalent with bachelor's degree in supply chain management or logistics
• Proven track record of tenure in each position/employer
• Knowledge of and/or experience with quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949)
• Evidence of supervising teams of at least 10 team members
• Evidence of advanced skillset with Excel
• Excellent verbal and written skills for interacting with staff, suppliers, and senior management

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