Lean Materials Manager

Xylem•Holland, MI

6d•$125,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

Xylem is seeking a dynamic and experienced Materials Strategy & Lean Operations Manager. This "People Leader" role is responsible for overseeing daily operations, supervising a team of approximately 40 employees, and ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of all inventory-related activities. This position plays a critical role in developing and implementing inventory policies, mentoring team members, and driving continuous improvement in inventory processes. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a passion for operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Continuous Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, 5S, Green/Black Belt
Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, including at least 1 year in a people management role.
Strong knowledge of inventory management principles and systems.
Proven ability to develop and implement effective inventory policies.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
Proficiency in inventory management software.

Responsibilities

Lead and optimize end-to-end material flow across inbound, internal, and outbound processes to ensure seamless support of production schedules.
Implement and sustain lean material systems (e.g., pull systems, supermarket replenishment, Kanban) to eliminate waste and improve responsiveness.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in inventory management, material handling, and space utilization using lean tools such as value stream mapping and 5S.
Collaborate with production, procurement, and logistics to align material availability with demand signals, minimizing stockouts and excess inventory.
Monitor and analyze key material KPIs (e.g., inventory turns, delivery performance, line-side availability) to identify trends and support decision-making.
Champion a culture of operational excellence through training, cross-functional problem-solving, and standardization of material control processes.
Adapt to changing priorities and make informed decisions aligned with organizational objectives.
Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production and customer demand.
Conduct regular audits and reconcile discrepancies.
Monitor turnover rates and adjust strategies as needed.
Coordinate with purchasing to ensure timely replenishment.
Identify and resolve inventory issues proactively.
Generate and present inventory reports to senior leadership.
Analyze trends and provide strategic recommendations.
Leverage inventory management systems to track and optimize performance.
Drive process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Partner with departments such as Purchasing, Sales, and Production to align inventory strategies.
Communicate with suppliers and vendors to maintain accurate stock levels.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to support business goals.
Ensure adherence to company policies and industry regulations.
Stay current with best practices in inventory control.
Implement and uphold safety protocols for inventory handling and storage.