Materials Manager

Pioneer Transformers; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

ERMCO in Athens, GA seeks a Materials Manager to lead all aspects of materials management and production scheduling. The role partners with operations, procurement, and engineering to ensure material availability, optimize inventory, and improve performance.

It requires strong planning, cross-functional collaboration, and a hands-on approach to Lean and 5S within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The position is based in Athens, GA with relocation assistance provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field; equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years in materials management, scheduling, and supply chain leadership in manufacturing.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving improvements.
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing preferred.
• CPIM/CSCP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead materials management, planning, scheduling, inventory control, and material handling.
• Own and facilitate S&OP to align demand, capacity, and material availability.
• Develop and maintain master production schedules to meet requirements.
• Manage inventory across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods; optimize working capital and turns.
• Establish and improve planning, forecasting, and replenishment processes.
• Drive inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and corrective action.
• Collaborate with Operations, Procurement, Customer Service, and Engineering to improve on-time delivery.
• Work with Strategic Sourcing on supplier performance, stocking agreements, VMI, and Kanban.
• Analyze material usage, demand forecasts for risks and opportunities.
• Lead warehouse and material handling for safe, efficient movement.
• Use ERP/MRP to manage planning, inventory, scheduling.
• Champion Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement across supply chain.
• Develop and mentor team members; strengthen capability and succession planning.
• Monitor KPIs: inventory turns, accuracy, lead times, on-time delivery.
• Support new product introductions and capacity planning for growth.

Skills

Materials planning

Inventory management

S&OP

ERP/MRP

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

APICS CPIM/CSCP or related

MBA (preferred)

Tools

Infor ERP

Job description

Materials Manager

Category: Manufacturing

Position Type: Full-Time

Overview

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America.

With our commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future.

Job Summary

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading and executing all aspects of materials management and production scheduling to support manufacturing operations. This role balances strategic planning with tactical execution and is accountable for Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), master scheduling, inventory management, materials planning, material flow, and warehouse operations. The Materials Manager partners closely with operations, procurement, customer service, engineering, finance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure material availability, optimize inventory, improve operational performance, and support customer commitments.

This position is located in Athens, GA. Relocation assistance will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of materials management, planning, scheduling, inventory control, and material handling operations.
• Own and facilitate the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align customer demand, production capacity, and material availability.
• Develop and maintain master production schedules to support customer requirements and manufacturing objectives.
• Manage inventory performance across raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods while optimizing working capital and inventory turns.
• Establish and improve planning processes, forecasting methodologies, inventory control systems, and replenishment strategies.
• Drive inventory accuracy through cycle counting, auditing, and corrective action initiatives.
• Partner with Operations, Procurement, Customer Service, and Engineering to improve on-time delivery, reduce lead times, and increase schedule attainment.
• Collaborate with Strategic Sourcing and Procurement teams on supplier performance, stocking agreements, VMI programs, Kanban systems, and material availability.
• Analyze material usage, production trends, and demand forecasts to proactively identify risks and opportunities.
• Lead warehouse and material handling operations to ensure safe, efficient movement and storage of materials.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage planning, inventory, and scheduling activities.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement, and waste reduction initiatives throughout the supply chain organization.
• Develop and mentor team members while strengthening organizational capability and succession planning.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators including inventory turns, inventory accuracy, schedule attainment, supplier performance, lead time, and on-time delivery.
• Support new product introductions, capacity planning initiatives, and business growth requirements.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in materials management, production planning, scheduling, inventory management, or supply chain leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving operational improvements.
• Experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment preferred.
• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or related professional certification preferred.
• MBA preferred but not required.
• Experience within the transformer, electrical equipment, or industrial manufacturing industry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of materials planning, inventory management, production scheduling, and supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic objectives with day-to-day execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Infor experience preferred).
• Knowledge of S&OP processes, demand planning, and capacity planning methodologies.
• Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and 5S experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High sense of urgency, accountability, and results orientation.
• Ability to effectively lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Work Environment / Travel / Physical Requirements

• Position is based in Athens, Georgia.
• Travel may be required to support suppliers, customers, and other ERMCO locations.

Let's Build the Future Together

At ERMCO, your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your impact is real. You'll have the opportunity to contribute, lead, and grow in a manufacturing environment that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Join ERMCO and TRANSFORM your career!

Job Locations

US-GA-Athens