Materials Manager

ARC Group; Umm Al Quwain; On-site; AED 257,000 - 331,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fabrication company in the UAE is seeking a Materials Manager to oversee procurement, inventory, and stores functions. This role requires more than 10 years of experience in materials management, particularly in high-grade industrial manufacturing. The successful candidate will ensure timely availability of materials while optimizing costs and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Strong leadership skills and a solid understanding of fabrication materials are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or procurement.
• Strong understanding of fabrication materials such as steel and piping.
• Proven experience managing inventory and warehouse operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for raw materials and consumables.
• Oversee warehouse and stores operations, ensuring accurate material handling.
• Collaborate with teams to align material availability with fabrication schedules.

Skills

Leadership skills

Negotiation capabilities

Analytical mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Company Description

ARC Group, established in 2012, is a leading organization specializing in structural steel and pipe fabrication, process skids, modular constructions, and pressure vessels. Based in Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates, ARC is an ASME "U" and National Board "R" stamp certified company. We are committed to delivering high-quality engineering and manufacturing solutions to meet diverse industry needs. With our expertise and certifications, we strive to provide reliable and innovative solutions for our clients worldwide.

Role Summary

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading, managing and optimizing the procurement, inventory, and stores functions for ARC Group. This role ensures the timely availability of materials, cost-effective sourcing, accurate inventory control, and full compliance with quality, safety, and project requirements. The Materials Manager plays a critical role in supporting production schedules, minimizing downtime, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

This role would involve leading procurement and inventory/stores functions with a team of approximately 10 personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead all procurement activities for raw materials, consumables, and project-specific items used in fabrication operations.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve optimal cost, quality, delivery, and service performance.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships, including approved vendor lists.
• Ensure procurement activities align with project schedules, engineering requirements, and client specifications.
• Manage purchase orders, expediting, and supplier performance metrics.
• Mitigate supply chain risks, including long lead times, material shortages, and market volatility.

Inventory & Stores Management

• Oversee warehouse and stores operations, ensuring accurate receipt, storage, handling, and issuing of materials.
• Implement and maintain effective inventory control systems to ensure accuracy, traceability, and availability.
• Establish min/max levels, reorder points, and cycle counting programs to reduce excess stock and shortages.
• Ensure proper identification, preservation, and segregation of materials in accordance with quality and project requirements.
• Drive improvements in material flow, layout, and space utilization within ARC facilites.

Planning & Production Support

• Collaborate closely with production, engineering, and project teams to align material availability with fabrication schedules.
• Support project kick-offs with material take-offs, procurement plans, and delivery schedules.
• Track and report material status for active projects, highlighting risks and proposing mitigation actions.
• Ensure materials are released to production in the correct sequence and condition to avoid delays.

Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure compliance with client specifications, industry standards, and internal quality management systems.
• Maintain full traceability of materials where required (e.g., heat numbers, MTCs, documentation).
• Ensure stores and procurement activities comply with HSE requirements and company policies.
• Support audits, inspections, and client reviews related to materials management.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead, coach, and develop procurement and stores personnel.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and performance expectations for the team.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce cost, improve accuracy, and enhance service levels.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and cost control initiatives.
• Drive a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or procurement within energy fabrication, EPC, or other high-grade heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of fabrication materials (steel, piping, fittings, valves, consumables, etc.).
• Proven experience managing inventory and warehouse/stores operations.
• Experience working in project-based environments with tight schedules and changing priorities.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management tools.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management capabilities
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Knowledge of quality, traceability, and documentation requirements in fabrication for various high-end sectors such as oil & gas, maritime, medical and other adjacent industries
• Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset