Materials Manager

Dana Incorporated•Auburn Hills, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a forward-thinking Materials Manager to lead end-to-end materials strategy in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role blends operational excellence, people leadership, and digital transformation—leveraging AI, predictive analytics, and ERP systems (SAP) to optimize material flow, improve inventory performance, and ensure flawless customer delivery. You will play a critical role in shaping a data-driven, resilient supply chain, aligning production, engineering, and supplier ecosystems to meet evolving customer and business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
5+ years in materials management, supply chain, or production control within manufacturing
3+ years of people leadership experience (preferably in a union environment).
Strong experience with SAP or equivalent ERP systems
Deep understanding of production scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain operations
Proven success applying Lean principles to improve flow and reduce waste
Strong proficiency in ERP (SAP), Excel, and data analytics tools
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence across all levels
Highly organized with the ability to manage complexity in a fast-paced environment
Results-driven mindset with a strong sense of urgency and ownership

Nice To Haves

Experience in unionized manufacturing environments (preferred)
Experience using or implementing AI, predictive analytics, or digital supply chain solutions (highly preferred)
APICS/CPIM certification
Experience implementing Industry 4.0 or smart factory initiatives
Background in automotive or high-volume manufacturing

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of production schedules, ensuring seamless alignment across materials planning, manufacturing, and customer delivery
Drive adherence to safety, quality, and compliance standards across all material-related processes
Maintain green customer delivery scorecards for both production and aftermarket channels, ensuring consistent on-time delivery performance and rapid recovery plans for any service risks
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to achieve plant performance targets
Leverage SAP and advanced analytics tools to optimize materials planning, inventory control, and production flow
Utilize AI/ML-driven forecasting and predictive planning to improve demand accuracy, reduce variability, and mitigate supply risks
Implement data-driven dashboards and real-time performance tracking (inventory turns, OTIF, WIP levels, etc.)
Identify and deploy automation opportunities (e.g., digital Kanban, automated replenishment, smart cycle counting)
Lead Lean/continuous improvement initiatives to reduce WIP, excess inventory, and obsolescence
Design and manage efficient end-to-end material flow strategies from supplier to point-of-use
Ensure inventory accuracy through robust cycle counting programs, system integrity, and audit readiness
Contribute to the plant business plan, including capacity modeling, capital investments, and supply chain strategy
Conduct scenario planning using data and digital tools to support growth, launches, and demand shifts
Drive cost optimization initiatives across materials, logistics, and inventory carrying costs
Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement and delivery of materials
Manage supplier performance, RMAs, rework processes, and escalation resolution
Strengthen supply chain resilience through risk identification and mitigation strategies
Build, coach, and develop a high-performing materials team
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making
Lead workforce planning, performance management, and talent development