Automotive Materials Leader – JIT & Lean Operations

Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead plant materials, inventory, and supply chain in a fast-paced JIT automotive environment in Illinois. You will drive uninterrupted material flow and optimize inventory to support production schedules and customer demand.

You will coach a materials team, implement Lean and Kaizen initiatives, collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 using SAP or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading materials or supply chain operations within an automotive JIT manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success managing Just-In-Time (JIT) material flow in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
• Experience supervising and developing teams of 10 or more employees.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, production planning, procurement, logistics, and supplier management.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyze data and develop meaningful reports.
• Knowledge of automotive quality systems including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven employment stability with a strong track record of success and career progression.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant materials and supply chain operations to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Ensure uninterrupted material flow while maintaining optimal inventory levels and minimizing waste.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the materials organization.
• Manage production planning, inventory control, procurement, warehousing, and logistics activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and quality performance.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) to manage inventory, planning, and reporting.
• Develop inventory strategies that balance customer service, production requirements, and cost.
• Monitor key performance indicators and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and company quality standards.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of materials professionals while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and Senior Leadership to achieve plant objectives.
• Prepare and present operational reports using advanced Excel and Microsoft Office tools.

Skills

Inventory management

ERP/MRP systems

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead plant materials, inventory, and supply chain in a fast-paced JIT automotive environment in Illinois. You will drive uninterrupted material flow and optimize inventory to support production schedules and customer demand.

You will coach a materials team, implement Lean and Kaizen initiatives, collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 using SAP or