Materials Flow Manager
About The Position
The Materials Flow Manager oversees planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory planning and control, receiving, shipping, storage, and the flow of direct and indirect materials for a tire manufacturing facility. The role ensures uninterrupted production across complex, multi-stage processes while optimizing inventory, cost, and supplier performance. It oversees the Materials department, including scheduling, receiving, shipping, and relevant procurement functions. The position manages end-to-end material flow for tire production, including natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, steel cord, bead wire, and chemical additives. It leads inventory, procurement, warehouse, and logistics operations; aligns material requirements with production schedules; develops scheduling systems and team capabilities; and advances lean and continuous improvement initiatives. The role also collaborates with Quality and Engineering, tracks key performance indicators, develops internal programs, and ensures compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations related to chemical handling and storage.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in materials management within 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, to support uninterrupted operations across mixing, extrusion, and curing.
- Direct inventory control strategies for high-volume, batch-controlled materials to improve 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 to 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 relevant pricing, and improve on-time, in-full delivery.
- Mitigate supply chain risks for 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 processes.
- Implement lean and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce material waste, scrap, and production downtime.
- Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams to ensure material compliance and traceability and support the 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, including communications, training, work simplification, and cost reduction programs.
- 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
