Materials Flow Manager
About The Position
The Materials Flow Manager oversees the planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory planning and control, receiving, shipping, storage, and movement of direct and indirect materials at the facility. The role ensures uninterrupted production by coordinating material availability with multi-stage tire manufacturing processes while optimizing inventory, cost, and supplier performance. It oversees the Materials department, including scheduling, receiving, shipping, and relevant procurement functions. The manager directs end-to-end material flow for tire production, including natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, steel cord, bead wire, and chemical additives. The role manages inventory strategies, aligns material requirements with production schedules through MRP/ERP systems, oversees supplier and warehouse operations, and leads continuous improvement efforts. It also works with Quality and Engineering on material compliance, traceability, and new product introductions; tracks material and production KPIs; develops internal programs; and ensures compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations for chemical handling and storage.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of materials management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems.
- Experience managing bulk raw materials and complex supply chains.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in tire, rubber, or chemical manufacturing.
- APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP).
- Knowledge of rubber compounding processes and material characteristics.
- Lean or Six Sigma certification.
Responsibilities
- Oversee planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory planning and control, receiving, shipping, storage, and flow of direct and indirect materials.
- Manage end-to-end material flow for tire production, including natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, steel cord, bead wire, and chemical additives.
- Direct inventory control strategies for high-volume, batch-controlled materials to improve inventory accuracy and reduce excess or obsolete stock.
- Align material requirements with production schedules using MRP/ERP systems to minimize line stoppages and optimize throughput.
- Develop scheduling systems and procedures that optimize plant throughput and synchronize value streams.
- Develop the team to operate autonomously and maintain a strong focus on results.
- Oversee procurement and supplier performance for critical raw materials, negotiate pricing, and improve on-time, in-full delivery.
- Mitigate supply chain risks associated with volatile raw materials through strategic sourcing and safety-stock planning.
- Lead warehouse and logistics operations for bulk and hazardous materials, improving storage efficiency and material handling.
- Implement lean and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce material waste, scrap, and production downtime.
- Collaborate with Quality and Engineering to ensure material compliance and traceability and support successful introduction of new tire products.
- Monitor and report KPIs, including inventory turns, material availability, and production disruptions due to shortages.
- Develop and implement internal programs for communications, training, work simplification, cost reduction, and other needs.
- Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations related to chemical handling and storage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
