Material Management Specialist

Aston Carter•Minneapolis, MN

5d•$140,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Materials Management Specialist to lead production planning, inventory management, logistics coordination, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. In this role, you will serve as the critical link between customer demand, material availability, production schedules, and operational execution. You'll partner with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory, improve service levels, enhance operational efficiency, and support business growth across multiple manufacturing sites.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Materials Management, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in Production Planning, Inventory Control, Materials Management, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing Operations.
Experience leading production planning or supply chain teams within a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of production scheduling and master production planning.
Deep knowledge of inventory management, inventory accuracy, and optimization practices.
Experience with demand planning and capacity planning in a manufacturing setting.
Hands-on experience leading or supporting S&OP processes.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with a strong analytical mindset.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels.
Ability to travel up to 25% to manufacturing facilities.

Nice To Haves

APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent).
Experience supporting multiple manufacturing plants.
Experience with SAP or other ERP systems.
Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
Experience leading inventory reduction, cost savings, and process improvement initiatives.
Back ground in production control and logistics within a discrete manufacturing environment.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive organizational change.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage division-wide production plans and master production schedules aligned with customer demand and business forecasts.
Balance manufacturing capacity, labor, equipment, and material availability to achieve service, productivity, and inventory goals.
Coordinate production activities across multiple manufacturing locations to ensure efficient resource utilization and on-time order fulfillment.
Manage short-term and long-range production schedules while proactively resolving challenges related to material shortages, engineering changes, labor constraints, and equipment availability.
Lead inventory control processes, including inventory strategy, accuracy, records management, and material planning.
Partner with Procurement to ensure timely replenishment of raw materials and components.
Drive inventory optimization initiatives while maintaining high customer service levels.
Analyze inventory trends and adjust stock strategies based on changing business conditions and operational requirements.
Lead the monthly S&OP process, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts and supply capabilities.
Translate sales forecasts into actionable production and inventory plans.
Collaborate with Operations, Sales, Procurement, Engineering, and Finance teams to balance supply and demand and resolve operational constraints.
Provide leadership, coaching, and support to Production Control and Logistics personnel across multiple manufacturing facilities.
Standardize planning processes and promote best practices throughout the organization.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Identify and implement initiatives that improve productivity, reduce costs, optimize inventory, and increase operational performance.
Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and strategic supply chain improvement projects.
Develop reports and dashboards to measure inventory, production, service, and operational performance.
Monitor key supply chain metrics and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.
Utilize advanced Excel and analytical tools to extract, interpret, and present business insights.
Influence decision-making through data-driven analysis and effective communication.