Materials Manager

STATES MANUFACTURING CORPORATION•Dayton, MN

6d•$115,000 - $140,000

About The Position

As Materials Manager, you will be reporting to the Materials and Logistics Director, and will be a key member of the Manufacturing Leadership Team. Your objective is to develop short-term and long-term strategic plans for the materials handling, and warehouse functions and drive continuous improvement through improved efficiency, cost reduction and improved service delivery while achieving high customer satisfaction. The Materials Manager plays a mission-critical role on the Manufacturing Leadership Team. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic and tactical plans to ensure efficient materials handling, and warehouse operations that meets the needs of a growing and dynamic manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is both a strategic leader and a hands-on operator—capable of driving daily execution while building scalable systems for the future.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, or related field.
8–10 years of progressive experience in materials, or warehouse management within a manufacturing environment.
Proven experience leading teams and managing materials and warehouse operations in a high-growth or complex environment.
Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (required); experience leading ERP or WMS implementations is a plus.
Demonstrated understanding of Lean manufacturing, JIT, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience with inventory optimization, materials planning, and supporting mixed-mode manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with DOT regulations, hazardous material handling, and OSHA compliance.
Ability to lead cross-functional projects, manage budgets, and influence internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

APICS CPIM certification or equivalent preferred.
Lean or Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the long-term vision and roadmap for materials management, and warehouse operations aligned with States Manufacturing’s growth strategy.
Partner with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, and Customer Service to ensure seamless coordination of material flow and supply chain responsiveness.
Participate in facility layout planning and warehouse design to support expansion or reconfiguration efforts.
Manage all warehouse functions including receiving, put-away, inventory management, order picking, kitting, and delivery to production.
Implement inventory control best practices including accurate cycle counts, stock rotation, and ERP accuracy.
Ensure real-time inventory visibility and prevent production disruptions by maintaining optimal stock levels and efficient material delivery to work centers.
Ensure effective use and integrity of MRP/ERP systems; drive adoption of standardized processes and accurate data entry.
Lead or support WMS/ERP implementations or upgrades to enhance warehouse capabilities.
Identify and implement automation and digital tools that improve accuracy, speed, and decision-making.
Establish and track KPIs for materials, and warehouse operations.
Apply Lean and continuous improvement principles to drive process optimization, cost reduction, and service improvement.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for material flow issues.
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements (OSHA, DOT, EPA, etc.) related to warehousing, material handling, and transportation.
Develop and maintain risk mitigation strategies related to inventory management, and material availability.
Promote a safe work environment through consistent enforcement of safety policies and participation in safety programs.
Lead, develop, and coach a high-performing team across multiple shifts or facilities as needed.
Create training plans, set clear expectations, and promote a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
Build bench strength and succession plans within the materials organization.