Materials Manager

Xylem•Cheektowaga, NY

9d•$120,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Manager leads procurement, materials management, warehousing, logistics, and inventory control activities to support manufacturing operations and customer commitments. The role develops sourcing strategies, strengthens supplier partnerships, and drives continuous improvement to ensure materials are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the best value. Working with Operations, Engineering, Planning, Finance, Quality, and Global Procurement, the Materials Manager supports a resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chain.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in materials management, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of leadership, supervisory, or people management experience in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience managing procurement, inventory control, warehouse operations, and supplier performance programs.
Proven success leading cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
Strong knowledge of supply chain management, sourcing strategies, inventory planning, warehousing, and logistics operations.
Experience using ERP/MRP systems and inventory management tools.
Familiarity with Kanban, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), consignment, cycle counting, and inventory optimization methods.
Ability to analyze operational and financial data to drive business decisions and process improvements.
Strategic sourcing and negotiation skills; strong business acumen and financial awareness; advanced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities; excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence across functions and organizational levels; and strong organizational, planning, and execution capabilities.
Ability to walk production and warehouse areas and occasionally lift or move materials as required.
Must comply with safety policies, procedures, and training requirements.

Nice To Haves

MBA or another advanced degree in a related field.
APICS CPIM and/or CSCP certification.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher.
Experience managing unionized workforce environments.
Experience supporting global supply chains and international suppliers.
Knowledge of commodity market analysis and strategic risk management practices.
Experience leading transformational supply chain or operational excellence initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead procurement, materials management, inventory control, warehousing, and logistics operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer service objectives and maintain material availability and operational continuity.
Develop and execute strategic sourcing and supplier management initiatives to optimize cost, improve supplier performance, mitigate supply chain risk, and support business growth.
Improve inventory and working capital performance through inventory planning, cycle count programs, Kanban, VMI, consignment, and other optimization strategies.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Production Planning, Finance, and Global Procurement on production requirements, new product introductions, engineering changes, and continuous improvement.
Monitor supplier performance, inventory accuracy, inventory turns, on-time delivery, and cost savings; implement corrective actions and sustainable process improvements.
Build, develop, and lead teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, safety, continuous improvement, employee engagement, and community involvement through Xylem Watermark initiatives.