Materials Manager - Production Floor

Steelcase Inc.•Caledonia, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Inventory and Materials Manager - Production Floor leads production-floor inventory, warehouse operations, and material flow. The role uses the Steelcase Materials Strategy and Playbook, Lean Manufacturing principles, and best practices to ensure material availability, inventory accuracy, and efficient movement of materials in support of safe, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing operations. The manager leads and develops inventory, warehouse, and material-handling team members; establishes policies, procedures, standard work, and performance metrics; and partners across functions to support production schedules and inventory performance. The role also drives continuous improvement in material flow, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, warehouse efficiency, and working capital while anticipating and mitigating material-related risks.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
7+ years of experience in Materials Management, Inventory Management, Production Logistics, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing Operations.
3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive performance.
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, material flow, inventory management, warehouse operations, and ERP/MRP systems.
Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WM/IM); SAP ERP is preferred.
Experience using Kanban systems, pull systems, supermarkets, and line-side replenishment methodologies.
Experience managing inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, FIFO controls, safety-stock management, reconciliation processes, and corrective actions.
Financial acumen, including budgeting, inventory investment, and project justification.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering methods, capacity analysis, and operational support functions.

Nice To Haves

APICS/ASCM certification or an equivalent supply chain credential.
Experience in a lean manufacturing environment using standard work, visual management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Knowledge of environmental, labor, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Understanding of the Steelcase Quality System.
Proven success improving inventory accuracy, warehouse performance, and material flow.
Experience supporting make-to-order or mixed-model manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

Lead production-floor inventory and material-flow activities to support uninterrupted manufacturing while maintaining lean inventory levels.
Lead warehouse operations, inventory control, material handling, and production-floor material flow.
Maintain inventory accuracy across raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.
Develop and manage supermarkets, Kanban and pull systems, FIFO controls, safety-stock strategies, and point-of-use replenishment.
Identify and resolve material shortages and supply risks that could affect production.
Oversee cycle counts, bin audits, inventory reconciliation, and material disposition processes.
Partner with Production, Planning, Purchasing, Logistics, Engineering, and Finance to support schedule attainment and inventory performance.
Drive continuous improvement in material flow, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, warehouse efficiency, and working capital.
Establish policies, procedures, standard work, and performance metrics for material management processes.
Lead, coach, and develop inventory, warehouse, and material-handling team members.
Use data and metrics to guide decisions and operational results.
Champion safety, continuous improvement, inventory discipline, and operational excellence.