Materials Manager

MSI Express; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSI Express is seeking a Materials Manager to lead planning, inventory control, and warehouse coordination across the supply chain. You will partner with Operations, Procurement, Customer Service, and other teams to ensure material availability and accurate master data, enabling on-time deliveries and cost efficiency.

The role focuses on leading the Planning team, establishing priorities, monitoring performance, and driving improvements in service levels, inventory accuracy, and supplier

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead material planning activities to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Oversee item master maintenance, BOM accuracy, and MRP configuration.
• Coordinate cycle counts, physical inventories, and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve service levels and inventory performance.

Skills

Inventory management

MRP systems

Warehouse operations

Supply chain

Leadership

Excel

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

High School diploma

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading materials planning, inventory management, warehouse coordination, and item master data management to support customer service, operational efficiency, and inventory performance. This role partners closely with Operations, Procurement, Commercialization, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to ensure material availability, inventory accuracy, and successful execution of customer programs.

The Materials Manager leads the Supply Chain Planning team by establishing priorities, coordinating resources, monitoring performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that improve service levels, inventory control, and cost performance.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Materials Planning & Inventory Management

• Lead material planning activities to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Oversee new item setup, sourcing activities, item master maintenance, and MRP configuration.
• Ensure accuracy of Bills of Material (BOMs), routing data, lot controls, and inventory master records.
• Maintain planning parameters including safety stock levels, MOQs, lead times, and ordering profiles.
• Monitor forecast changes and coordinate material transitions and implementation activities.

Inventory Control & Warehousing

• Lead inventory control programs focused on inventory accuracy, aging reduction, and working capital improvement. Manage excess, obsolete, inactive, and date-sensitive inventory.
• Coordinate cycle counts, physical inventories, and resolution of inventory discrepancies.
• Oversee material movement and inventory activities across warehouses and storage locations.
• Serve as the primary contact for customer material management activities and material change notifications.
• Coordinate material changes, new product launches, and commercialization support activities.
• Manage material shortages and work with suppliers, customers, and internal teams to resolve issues.
• Monitor supplier performance and support corrective actions to improve service and delivery performance.

Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead and develop Supply Chain Planning team members through coaching and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance inventory performance and planning effectiveness.
• Develop, monitor, and report KPIs related to inventory, service levels, material availability, and supplier performance.
• Support inventory reduction and operational excellence initiatives across the business.

QUALIFICATIONS / CAPABILITY PROFILE

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in materials management, supply chain planning, inventory control, or manufacturing operations.
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, MRP systems, warehouse operations, and supply chain processes.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Regular interaction with warehouse, production, and storage facilities.
• Must be able to work in manufacturing areas that may be noisy, warm, cold, or require PPE.
• Ability to participate in physical inventories, cycle counts, and plant meetings.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use standard office equipment throughout the workday.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

- Inc. 5000 #124 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2025)

- Inc. 5000 #10 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #165 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2021)

- Inc. 5000 #1,085 fastest growing company in the USA. (2023)

- Inc. 5000 #622 fastest growing company in the USA. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #479 fastest growing company in the USA. (2021)