Materials Manager

Dana Incorporated; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana Incorporated in Fort Wayne, IN, a global leader in driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies, seeks a manufacturing leader to oversee production planning, scheduling, and material flow. You will drive Lean initiatives to optimize WIP, coordinate with engineering, maintenance, and procurement to meet forecasts, and manage cost and quality metrics.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of experience, with union environment experience preferred.

Qualifications

• In depth understanding of production scheduling, customer service, engineering & quality functions.
• Experience in a unionized work environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees execution of manufacturing schedules and ensures safety standards.
• Leads Lean initiatives to reduce WIP and improve material flow.
• Coordinates with departments to achieve production goals.
• Plans and measures work within the department and manages budget.
• Develops supplier relationships and manages material replenishment strategies.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Lean manufacturing

Inventory & materials management

Education

Bachelor's degree

4+ years of applicable experience

10+ years of experience

Job description

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets - passenger vehicle and commercial truck equipment - Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the execution of manufacturing schedules and assures the application of all production, test, development, documentation and safety standards.
• Utilizes Lean concepts to reduce and manage WIP and inventory and improve material flow.
• Ensures controls, inventory levels and flow of materials are consistent with forecasts for manufacturing and customer service requirements.
• Assists in formulation of business plan including capital improvements and projection of plant production capabilities.
• Coordinates with production operations, engineering, maintenance and other departments in the accomplishment of production goals.
• Prepares reports and analysis of various cost control, production, labor, quality, facility usage and other reports.
• Ensures prompt and economical receipt of materials, supplies and parts. Ensures that plant standards and requirements are met.
• Conducts studies to ensure the plant continues to operate in a cost efficient manner as technology, legal, regulatory policy and product changes are implemented.
• Performs those administrative activities necessary for the effective management of the department, including selection and development of employees, budget administration, employee counseling and motivation, and organization goals and objectives.
• Plans, organizes, integrates and measures the work performed within the department.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Lead production planning and scheduling. Develop best practice material replenishment systems to ensure material availability to achieve production plan while meeting inventory reduction targets.
• Develop strategic relationships with suppliers to ensure continuous supply at the best value. Develop supplier performance and quality metrics, monitor supplier performance, and drive corrective actions as required.
• Responsible for creating a high performance materials team. Establish team goals & action plans to achieve department objectives.
• Manage daily order volume fluctuations to ensure customer Scorecard targets are achieved. Work closely with preferred logistics partners to determine best cost material transportation.
• Implement & manage cycle count systems to ensure accuracy of inventory transactions throughout the entire inventory value stream.
• Lead all environmental material initiatives & material safety related items.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of applicable experience
• 10+ years of experience

In depth understanding of production scheduling, customer service, engineering & quality functions.

Preferred to have experience working in an unionized work environment.

Skills

• Leadership and Team Management - Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team in a fast-paced production environment.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing - Skilled in identifying inefficiencies and applying Lean principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen) to improve processes.
• Inventory and Materials Management - Proficient in managing material flow, inventory control, and using ERP/MRP systems.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Join our team of 28,000 problem solvers who are fostering a culture of innovation by leveraging the diverse perspectives of our global team. We believe in facing challenges head-on by finding opportunity and uncovering possibility, where roadblocks and barriers become targets instead of obstacles. We are One Dana with limitless opportunity.