Manufacturing Materials Manager (Warehouse Manager)

M.C. Dean; Bowling Green (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

M.C. Dean is seeking a Manufacturing Materials Manager to lead procurement planning, inventory control, logistics, and material flow for modular power systems and data center infrastructure.

You will optimize supply chain resilience, reduce costs, and ensure production schedules are met with optimal inventory levels. The role requires strong leadership, ERP/MRP expertise, and a track record of implementing Lean materials systems in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8+ years in materials management, supply chain, or manufacturing operations roles.
• 3 years of leadership experience in complex assembly or modular manufacturing (preferably within power, electrical, or heavy equipment sectors).
• Proven experience implementing Lean materials systems, JIT, and warehouse optimization.
• Familiarity with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems and data analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead materials planning, inventory management, and material logistics to ensure seamless production flow.
• Forecast demand and manage long‑lead components (e.g., switchgear, busways, power electronics).
• Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, and Production to optimize material flow and cost.
• Design and optimize material flow systems for modular assembly sequencing and JIT delivery.
• Manage ERP/MRP systems for accurate production scheduling and materials tracking.
• Drive continuous improvement and safety in materials handling and warehouse practices.

Skills

BOM basics

MRP/demand planning

Excel

ERP analytics

WMS

Lean tools (5S/Kanban)

Cross‑functional leadership

Data‑driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management/Industrial Engineering/Business Administration

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Warehouse management systems (WMS)

Data analytics tools

Job description

Responsibilities

The Manufacturing Materials Manager is responsible for leading all materials management functions—including procurement planning, inventory control, logistics, and material flow—within a modular manufacturing environment. This role ensures that materials, components, and assemblies are available to meet production schedules for mission‑critical power and modular equipment, while maintaining optimal inventory levels and cost efficiency.

The manager will design and optimize material flow strategies for complex, multi‑discipline manufacturing (electrical, mechanical, HVAC) to support the rapid and reliable delivery of modular power systems and data center infrastructure.

• Strategic Materials Management
  • Lead and manage all aspects of materials planning, inventory management, and material logistics to ensure seamless production flow.
  • Develop and execute a materials strategy aligned with production volume growth, modular standardization, and supply chain resilience.
  • Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, and Production to forecast demand and manage long‑lead critical components (e.g., switchgear, busways, power electronics, cables, steel frames).
  • Support supplier relationship management to ensure quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Material Flow & Inventory Optimization
  • Design and continuously improve material flow systems from warehouse to production line, optimizing for modular assembly sequencing and just‑in‑time (JIT) delivery.
  • Implement and sustain visual management systems, Kanban, and point‑of‑use inventory (POU) strategies.
  • Balance inventory levels to minimize working capital while preventing shortages or line stoppages.
  • Analyze materials data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and cost‑reduction opportunities.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of materials planners, inventory analysts, warehouse supervisors, and material handlers.
  • Establish clear KPIs and foster accountability for delivery performance, accuracy, and safety.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and proactive problem‑solving, applying TPS/LEAN methods and techniques.
• Systems & Process Management
  • Manage the use and optimization of ERP/MRP systems to support accurate production scheduling and materials tracking.
  • Ensure data integrity across BOMs, part masters, and material transactions.
  • Drive digitalization and automation initiatives for materials traceability, inventory accuracy, and reporting.
• Production Support
  • Work closely with Production Engineering and Operations to coordinate kitting, staging, and sequencing for modular builds.
  • Interface with Project Management to align material readiness with project timelines and shipping milestones.
  • Support process improvements and layout optimization for material storage, flow, and delivery to production cells.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure material handling and storage comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (e.g., OSHA, NFPA, ISO).
  • Lead risk assessments and implement safe material flow and warehouse practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 8+ years in materials management, supply chain, or manufacturing operations roles.
• 3 years of leadership experience in complex assembly or modular manufacturing (preferably within power, electrical, or heavy equipment sectors).
• Proven experience implementing Lean materials systems, JIT, and warehouse optimization.
• Familiarity with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems and data analytics tools.
• Experience with project‑based or engineered‑to‑order (ETO) manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of BOM structure, demand planning, and material requirements planning (MRP).
• Understanding of electrical and mechanical component supply chains (e.g., switchgear, cable assemblies, HVAC components, structural materials).
• Proficient in Excel, ERP analytics, and warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Knowledge of Lean tools such as 5S, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, and standard work.
• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration.
  • Analytical and data‑driven decision‑making approach.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and process discipline.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, project‑driven, and high‑mix manufacturing environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Material availability and production schedule adherence (% on‑time readiness)
• Inventory accuracy (%) and inventory turnover ratio
• Supplier on‑time delivery performance
• Working capital / inventory value vs. target
• Material flow efficiency and warehouse utilization
• Safety performance and incident‑free operations
• Employee engagement and development metrics

Work Environment

• Primarily based in our modular manufacturing facility with regular floor presence.
• Occasional travel to suppliers, logistics hubs, or customer sites as required.
• Close collaboration with Production, Engineering, Procurement, and Program Management teams.

Abilities

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.