Materials Manager

The Materials Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and control of all materials, inventory, and warehouse operations. This role ensures the safe, accurate, and timely flow of raw materials, components, and finished goods from receipt through production and shipment. The Materials Manager maintains high inventory accuracy, strict FIFO compliance, and real time transactional control using Microsoft Dynamics AX while supporting uninterrupted production, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. A strong emphasis is placed on safety, DOT compliance, and the proper operation and maintenance of material handling equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management & Accuracy

•  Own and maintain, inventory accuracy across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods and lead quarterly inventory.
•  Establish, monitor, and enforce inventory control standards to consistently achieve AOP accuracy.
•  Lead cycle count programs, investigate variances, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
•  Analyze inventory trends to reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving materials while supporting production needs.

Material Flow & Production Support

•  Ensure safe, efficient, and timely movement of materials from warehouse locations to production.
•  Coordinate with Production, Planning, and Purchasing to support daily manufacturing requirements.
•  Maintain proper staging and line side inventory levels to prevent production delays or shortages.
•  Develop and improve material handling processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance workplace safety.

FIFO Compliance

•  Enforce First In, First Out (FIFO) practices for all applicable materials and finished goods.
•  Design and maintain warehouse layouts, labeling, racking, and storage locations to support FIFO execution.
•  Conduct routine audits and correct non-compliant FIFO practices in warehouse and production areas.

Warehouse Operations

•  Oversee daily warehouse activities including receiving, put away, storage, picking, issuing, and shipping.
•  Ensure materials are properly identified, labeled, and stored according to company standards.
•  Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse aligned with OSHA and company safety policies.
•  Lead warehouse staffing, training, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.

DOT Compliance & Transportation Coordination

•  Ensure compliance with DOT regulations related to shipping, receiving, and transportation of materials.
•  Coordinate inbound and outbound truck schedules to support production and customer delivery.
•  Verify accurate documentation, load securement, and trailer condition prior to shipment.
•  Partner with carriers, drivers, and internal teams to ensure safe operations and efficient dock utilization.

Material Handling Equipment & Safety

•  Ensure safe operation, inspection, and upkeep of all forklifts and clamp trucks.
•  Enforce operator training, certification, and refresher requirements.
•  Partner with Maintenance and Safety teams to schedule preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
•  Promote a strong safety culture by identifying hazards, addressing unsafe behaviors, and driving continuous improvement in material handling safety.

Systems & Transactional Control (Microsoft Dynamics AX)

•  Ensure all material movements are accurately and timely transacted in Microsoft Dynamics AX.
•  Train and hold teams accountable for system discipline related to receiving, issuing, transfers, and adjustments.
•  Collaborate with IT and Finance to resolve system issues and improve data integrity.
•  Leverage AX data for reporting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cross Functional Coordination

•  Collaborate with Production, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, and Supply Chain to align material strategies.
•  Support internal and external audits by providing accurate inventory records, and documentation.
•  Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory control and material flow. 

Required Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or a related field (preferred).
•  5+ years of experience in materials management, inventory control, or warehouse operations in a manufacturing environment.
•  Strong understanding of inventory accuracy, FIFO principles, and end to end material flow.
•  Hands on experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX or other similar ERP systems. 
•  Advanced Excel skills are required.
•  Proven leadership experience managing warehouse or materials teams.
•  Working knowledge of DOT requirements and material handling safety regulations.

Skills & Competencies

•  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, high attention to detail and process discipline.
•  Excellent communication and cross functional collaboration skills.
•  Ability to lead in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
•  Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement mindset.
•  Strong commitment to safety and compliance.

Working Conditions

•  Manufacturing and warehouse environment.
•  Regular standing, walking, and interaction with material handling equipment.
•  Occasional lifting and extended hours to support production schedules.
•  Exposure to forklifts, clamp trucks, dock operations, and truck traffic.

Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing plant environment with significant time spent on the production floor. Schedule flexibility outside standard business hours may be required to support operations and employees.

Benefits

•  Competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance.
•  401(k) with company match.
•  Paid vacation.
•  Tuition reimbursement for professional certifications and degree programs.

INDEVCO North America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.