Materials Project Manager
About The Position
The Materials Project Manager is responsible for sourcing and procuring raw materials used in machining and manufacturing operations, including bar stock, plate, tubing, castings, forgings, and specialty metals. The role uses technical knowledge of materials and machining processes to identify alternative material grades, sizes, and supply sources that improve availability, reduce cost, optimize yield, and support production requirements. The position supports machine shop production schedules and customer demand by managing supplier relationships, sourcing strategies, material substitutions, procurement records, and supply risks. It works cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Planning teams, and drives improvements in cost savings, inventory, material utilization, and supply chain efficiency. The position has no supervisory responsibilities but provides informal guidance to new team members. Travel is 10% of the time; relocation is not available.
Requirements
- Strong understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys, material specifications, and machining processes.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, and material certifications.
- Knowledge of material substitutions and equivalent grades, including alternative alloys, tempers, dimensions, or material forms.
- Understanding of yield optimization, nesting, and material utilization principles.
- Experience managing raw material supply risks and developing contingency sourcing plans.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Procure raw materials required to support machine shop production schedules and customer demand.
- Develop and maintain relationships with material suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and on-time delivery.
- Analyze engineering drawings, material specifications, and production requirements to determine material sourcing strategies.
- Identify alternative material grades, forms, dimensions, and supply options that meet engineering and customer requirements while reducing cost and lead time.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Planning teams to evaluate and approve material substitutions.
- Recommend stock sizes and purchasing strategies to reduce scrap and improve yield.
- Monitor market trends, material availability, and pricing fluctuations to proactively manage supply risks.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term agreements to achieve annual cost reduction objectives.
- Resolve supplier performance issues related to quality, delivery, and capacity constraints.
- Support make-versus-buy evaluations and supplier capacity assessments.
- Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier data, and material master information within ERP systems.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory reduction, cost savings, and supply chain efficiency.
- Achieve measurable annual cost savings through strategic sourcing and material optimization.
- Minimize production disruptions caused by raw material shortages.
- Improve material utilization and reduce scrap costs through strategic purchasing decisions.
- Develop alternative sourcing and material substitution strategies that improve supply continuity and reduce lead times.
- Maintain supplier delivery and quality performance at established targets.
- Provide informal guidance to new team members.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Potential eligibility for participation in a bonus program
- Potential eligibility for a stock award program
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
