Manager Materials

Johnson Outdoors • Mankato, MN

11d • $100,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Manager Materials Manages supplier and commodity strategies, materials readiness, and inventory operations to support business objectives. Oversees supplier selection, development, and performance while ensuring supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and compliance. Partners cross‑functionally to align planning, logistics, and execution, driving operational efficiency, working capital improvement, and sustainable supply chain.

Requirements

• Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management or equivalent.
• Experience: Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in materials management within a manufacturing environment, which includes leadership experience managing supplier development and performance, inventory control/management and purchasing functions.
• Experience within the electronics or comparable consumer products industry, supporting complex, fast‑paced supply chain environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in materials planning theory and practices, including demand planning, supply planning, and inventory management.
• Experience leading sourcing, supplier management, and materials management functions within a global operating environment.
• Strong knowledge of supply management, production planning, and inventory control methods and procedures.
• Proven ability to develop and execute supplier and commodity strategies that drive cost savings, efficiency improvements, and supply continuity.
• Experience supporting new product introductions (NPI), including materials readiness, supplier capacity planning, lead times, and ramp‑up execution.
• Working knowledge of supply chain risk management, business continuity planning, and supplier performance management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and sourcing applications.
• Experience working with fully integrated ERP and/or MRP systems to support planning, execution, and performance reporting.
• Ability to leverage data, metrics, and dashboards to drive informed decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Proven leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to build a positive, accountable culture and motivate teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively partner across Sales, Operations, Finance, Engineering, and external suppliers.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders and drive alignment in a matrixed organization.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight while adhering to established policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work onsite with outsourced manufacturing partners and suppliers as needed.

Responsibilities

• Supplier & Commodity Management Responsible for the development, monitoring and maintenance of the supply chain which includes supplier selection, development, agreements, qualification, performance and continuous improvement.
• Develops commodity strategies and identifies gaps that exist in the current or potential supplier
• Owns materials readiness for new product introductions, including supplier capacity, cost targets, lead times, and ramp-up execution.
• Leads supply chain risk identification and mitigation strategies including dual sourcing, capacity assurance, business continuity planning, and supplier financial monitoring.
• Develops contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply during disruptions.
• Partners with Sales, Operations, and Finance to support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) / Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts, inventory targets, and supply capabilities.
• Ensures daily interaction with other departments to ensure schedules and goals are met.
• Oversees inbound logistics strategies, freight optimization, and coordination with logistics partners to ensure cost-effective and reliable material flow.
• Ensures compliance with global trade regulations, tariffs, customs requirements, and import/export controls.
• Integrates sustainability, ethical sourcing, and ESG requirements into supplier selection, development, and ongoing performance management.
• Ensures supplier compliance with corporate social responsibility, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Manages inventory and purchases to control/balance cost, availability, and working capital metrics.
• Monitors and reports critical inventory control metrics and develops control or counter measures to meet business plan, as required.
• Manages maintenance, repair and operations parts and equipment buying.
• Leverages data analytics, dashboards, and digital supply chain tools to improve forecast accuracy, inventory turns, supplier performance, and working capital outcomes.
• Drives continuous improvement through automation and system enhancements within ERP/MRP and planning tools.
• Partners with R&D, engineers, project, and product managers/staff to identify, analyze and perform financial analysis for cost savings opportunities.
• Develops and executes talent development, succession planning, and capability-building strategies within the materials and supply chain organization.
• Builds a culture of accountability, continuous improvement cross-functional and collaboration across JO.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• In partnership with human resources, performs human resources responsibilities for staff, which includes but is not limited to the following: hiring and terminating employees, promotions/pay adjustments, staff development, performance evaluations, resolution of employee concerns and disciplinary counseling.
• Manages, controls, and recommends budgets within approved guidelines.
• Develops and revises departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet business needs.
• Supervises direct reports to prescribed company administrative policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Share in the company’s success - Competitive base salary, with additional earning potential through participation in the annual discretionary cash profit sharing program, and eligibility for annual pay increases.
• Find your work/life balance with generous paid time off and holiday benefits, health insurance and wellness plans.
• Further your career with training opportunities including our tuition assistance program.
• Plan for your future with our 401k with company match and deferred retirement contributions, Sons & Daughters Scholarship program, life and LTD insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees