Position Summary
The Materials Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of materials management, including demand planning, purchasing, supplier management, inventory control, production support, and material flow optimization. This hands-on leadership role ensures the uninterrupted flow of direct and indirect materials required to support manufacturing operations while driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, inventory performance, and cost.
The Materials Manager serves as the primary operational leader for planning, purchasing, inventory management, supplier performance, and material availability. This role works cross-functionally with Operations, Production, Engineering, Quality, Commodity Managers, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain leadership to ensure material strategies align with business objectives and customer commitments.
Key Responsibilities
Materials Planning & Supply Continuity
- Lead the material planning process to ensure the right materials are available in the right quantities at the right time to support customer demand and manufacturing schedules.
- Manage inventory replenishment activities utilizing MRP and inventory planning systems.
- Coordinate with Sales, Operations, and Production teams to align material availability with forecasted demand and production requirements.
- Identify and mitigate material shortages, supply disruptions, and capacity constraints before they impact customer deliveries.
- Develop and execute material coverage strategies to support business growth, demand volatility, and new product introductions.
- Ensure continuity of supply for both direct and indirect materials.
Inventory Management
- Establish and maintain effective inventory management processes that optimize inventory investment while maintaining required service levels.
- Drive inventory turns improvement initiatives and reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
- Implement and continually improve inventory control methodologies including:
- Kanban
- Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
- Safety Stock Optimization
- Reorder Point Management
- Cycle Counting Programs
- Conduct inventory audits and review inventory accuracy metrics.
- Develop action plans to improve inventory accuracy and material visibility throughout the supply chain.
Supplier Management
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships that support business objectives.
- Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements in:
- On-Time Delivery (OTD)
- Quality
- Lead Times
- Responsiveness
- Cost Competitiveness
- Lead supplier performance reviews utilizing supplier scorecards and performance metrics.
- Escalate supplier issues and coordinate corrective actions as required.
- Partner with Commodity Managers and teams to:
- Execute sourcing strategies
- Support supplier selection
- Evaluate supplier capabilities
- Improve supplier performance
- Participate in supplier audits, business reviews, and development activities.
- Support low-cost region sourcing initiatives where appropriate.
Commercial & Cost Management
- Partner with Commodity Managers to identify and implement opportunities to achieve:
- Purchase Price Variance (PPV) savings
- Cost reduction initiatives
- Productivity improvements
- Working capital improvements
- Support Commodity Manager in supplier negotiations and contract discussions to secure favorable commercial terms, pricing, service levels, and delivery commitments.
- Partner with Commodity Managers and to support supplier agreements and drive supplier accountability.
- Analyze supplier spend and identify opportunities for consolidation, optimization, and cost reduction in partnership with Commodity Managers.
Production Support & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner closely with Production, Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure material availability supports manufacturing schedules and customer commitments.
- Lead resolution of material-related issues impacting:
- Production
- Quality
- Customer Delivery
- Inventory Performance
- Support production schedule attainment through proactive planning and issue resolution.
- Improve the flow of materials throughout manufacturing operations to increase efficiency and productivity.
- Work with Operations teams to optimize build cycles, material presentation, and workflow execution.
- Coordinate engineering changes, quality actions, and new product introductions to ensure seamless material transitions.
Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on supply chain performance and operational excellence.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste, improve material flow, and enhance productivity.
- Identify opportunities to improve planning accuracy, supplier performance, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
- Develop and implement standard work, procedures, and best practices across materials functions.
- Stay informed of industry trends and emerging supply chain best practices.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, coach, and mentor materials, planning, purchasing, and inventory personnel.
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
- Drive employee engagement, talent development, succession planning, and team capability growth.
- Promote a culture focused on:
- Safety
- Continuous Improvement
- Customer Commitment
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Lead department performance reviews and continuous improvement activities.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required.
- MBA, CPM, CPSM, APICS CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent certification preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in:
- Materials Management
- Production Planning
- Purchasing
- Supply Chain Management
- Inventory Control
- Manufacturing Operations
- Leadership experience managing cross-functional teams within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations preferred.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of:
- MRP/ERP systems (Oracle preferred)
- Inventory Management
- Demand Planning
- Supplier Management
- Procurement Processes
- Lean Manufacturing
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and reporting tools.
Leadership Competencies
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to influence across functions and organizational levels.
- Action-oriented with a focus on execution and results.
- Strong business acumen and financial awareness.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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Ralliant Corporation Overview
Ralliant, originally part of Fortive, now stands as a bold, independent public company driving innovation at the forefront of precision technology. With a global footprint and a legacy of excellence, we empower engineers to bring next-generation breakthroughs to life — faster, smarter, and more reliably. Our high-performance instruments, sensors, and subsystems fuel mission-critical advancements across industries, enabling real-world impact where it matters most. At Ralliant we're building the future, together with those driven to push boundaries, solve complex problems, and leave a lasting mark on the world.
About Qualitrol
QUALITROL manufactures monitoring and protection devices for high value electrical assets and OEM manufacturing companies. Established in 1945, QUALITROL produces thousands of different types of products on demand and customized to meet our individual customers’ needs. We are the largest and most trusted global leader for partial discharge monitoring, asset protection equipment and information products across power generation, transmission, and distribution. At Qualitrol, we are redefining condition-based monitoring.
We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ralliant Corporation and all Ralliant Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Ralliant and all Ralliant Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at [email protected].
