Materials Manager

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.
Job Summary:
The Materials Manager is responsible for coordinating incoming and outgoing movement and storage of raw materials and finished products and parts to meet production schedules. The Manager is responsible for compiling data on order volume, production schedules and forecasts and applies statistical methods to estimate future materials requirements. Such individual has accountabilities for the performance and results of a team and will work closely with internal and external key stakeholders focusing to support manufacturing activities and best business practices. The Manager is responsible for adapting departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges. Decisions and problem-solving are guided by policies, procedures, and business plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Material Management or similar field required
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in large scale manufacturing operations within the supply chain and inventory field
• Demonstrated experience leading materials, warehouse, inventory, or supply chain operations in a manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of inventory management, material flow, forecasting, and production support processes
• Experience managing and developing teams, including performance management, coaching, and change leadership
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners
• Proven commitment to safety, quality systems, and continuous improvement principles (Lean, 6S, FTQ)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Business, Material Management or similar field required
• Able to pivot in a fast-paced environment
• Able to drive Change Management
• Adapts approach as the requirements of the situation change
• Changes or easily accepts change in organization or job requirements
• Ability to help the team ‘connect the dots’ on the business expectations, KPI’s and the importance of their daily role
• Strong communicator, self-directed, motivated and goal oriented
• Strong examples of exercising recognition and rewarding team members for behaviors that represent the company’s core values (Panasonic’s 7 Core Principles)
• Strong problem solver (including root cause analysis); commitment to continuous improvement philosophy
• Contributes meaningfully to work group efforts by offering new ideas for improvement; demonstrates a cooperative manner in dealing with supervisors and other team members, does his/her part toward group efforts; works cooperatively with others
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)
• Lean Six Sigma Certification

Responsibilities

• Direct forecasting, receiving, storage, movement, and distribution of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to meet production schedules
• Oversee warehouse operations, inventory control systems, and material flow across manufacturing areas
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials to production lines in alignment with demand and schedules
• Maintain manufacturing assets, warehouse infrastructure, and MRO/material inventories, including purchase orders and invoice approvals
• Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource constraints and operational challenges
• Develop and implement strategies to streamline material flow, reduce cost, and optimize inventory levels
• Drive department KPIs related to inventory accuracy, material availability, cost, service, and loss reduction
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, mistake-proofing, FTQ, and continuous improvement initiatives across materials operations
• Apply data analysis, forecasting, and statistical methods to anticipate future material requirements
• Support automation, digital transformation, and system enhancements within WMS/ERP environments
• Hire, train, develop, engage, and motivate materials and warehouse teams to drive accountability and performance
• Lead through change by coaching leaders and team members on standard work, safety, and continuous improvement practices
• Foster a culture of learning, cross-training, and operational excellence across all material handling functions
• Partner closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain to support manufacturing objectives
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, suppliers, carriers, and service providers to ensure material flow and cost effectiveness
• Communicate material risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities to leadership and operational teams
• Ensure all materials operations comply with safety regulations, SOPs, quality systems, and regulatory requirements
• Promote a safe, organized, and compliant work environment aligned with 6S and EHS standards
• Monitor and mitigate inventory, quality, and operational risks while maintaining high service and accuracy levels
• Directly and indirectly supervises materials, warehouse, and inventory management employees, including supervisors and/or leads.
• Responsible for hiring, training, performance management, coaching, and development of team members.
• Provides input on staffing decisions, promotions, corrective actions, and succession planning.

Benefits

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level