Materials & Supply Chain Manager

Weiss Technik North America, Inc.•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Materials & Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for overseeing all Materials requirements for a manufacturing facility producing engineered-to-order/custom environmental test chambers, where production is low volume (approx. 150 units/year) with high complexity. This manager will develop and execute strategic materials management initiatives to ensure the timely acquisition of specialized components, optimize inventory levels for project-based builds, and manage supplier relationships to guarantee quality, cost-effectiveness, and delivery to meet specific customer requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, operations management, engineering, or a related field or a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in materials management, procurement, or supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a management/supervisory role.
Proven experience working in a highly customized, engineered-to-order, or project-based manufacturing setting is essential.
Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) is required.
Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and relationship-building abilities to manage diverse suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Knowledge of quality and safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ISO 9001).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills complemented by professional appearance.

Nice To Haves

Prefer an experienced full-charge Materials Manager from a similar manufacturing environment (ETO). Experience will include inventory control, hands-on purchasing, vendor relations, and strategic supply management.
Mechanical aptitude preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic sourcing and procurement of raw materials, components, and services, with a strong emphasis on highly customized and engineered-to-order (ETO) parts.
Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with key suppliers, ensuring favorable terms for cost, quality, and delivery for unique specifications.
Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers based on technical capabilities, quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001 procedures), and risk mitigation strategies.
Develop and manage inventory control processes tailored for project-based manufacturing, balancing component demand and cost while minimizing excess and obsolete (E&O) stock. Partner with Finance, Engineering, and Sales to manage and disposition E&O.
Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, ensuring efficient storage, handling, and movement of sensitive or high-value materials.
Implement and maintain accurate inventory records through robust cycle counting programs and effective use of SAP.
Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, and Project Management teams during the design and development to ensure supply chain capability and capacity.
Align material flow with dynamic production schedules and project timelines, proactively identifying and resolving potential material shortages or delays.
Develop and maintain standards for elements of item masters that affect the Materials function.
Assure that the Materials organization executes timely and accurately as it relates to Engineering Changes
Develop and implement materials management strategies that increase efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness tailored to an engineered-to-order/custom manufacturing environment.
Monitor and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery (OTD), price variance, and inventory turnover, providing regular reports to management.
Lead, mentor, and develop the materials team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and process optimization