Materials Manager

Dana Incorporated; Gordonsville (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana Incorporated is seeking a Materials Manager in Gordonsville, TN to oversee procurement, storage, and distribution for manufacturing operations. The role drives supplier relationships, inventory optimization, and alignment with production demands to support efficiency and cost control.

Responsibilities include manufacturing scheduling, cycle counts, Lean initiatives, and cross-functional coordination to meet production goals and customer service targets.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Oversee the execution of manufacturing schedules.
• Lead production planning and scheduling; develop best practice material replenishment systems to ensure material availability to achieve production plan while meeting inventory reduction targets.
• Implement and manage cycle count systems to ensure accuracy of inventory transactions throughout the entire inventory value stream.
• Utilizes Lean concepts to reduce and manage WIP and inventory and improve material flow.
• 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.
• Manage daily order volume fluctuations to ensure customer Scorecard targets are achieved; work closely with preferred logistics partners to determine best cost material transportation.
• 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.
• Lead all environmental material initiatives and material safety related items.
• 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.
• Champion Materials team DOS activities to establish a continuous improvement culture.
• Will be required to work across multiple shifts and/or weekends as determined by plant manager or designate.
• Plans, organizes, integrates and measures the work performed within the department.
• Ensure appropriate leadership and development of his/her team: define clear objectives, allocate resources, monitor activities, allocate fair rewards, provide developmental opportunities etc.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

SAP experience

Inventory management

ERP/MRP systems

Financial acumen

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of applicable experience

10+ years of experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

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 Purpose

To oversee the procurement, storage, and distribution of materials required for manufacturing operations, ensuring that the right materials are available at the right time and in the right quantity. The Materials Manager plays a strategic role in managing supplier relationships, optimizing inventory, and aligning material availability with production demands to support operational efficiency, cost control, and customer satisfaction.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversee the execution of manufacturing schedules.
• Lead production planning and scheduling. Develop best practice material replenishment systems to ensure material availability to achieve production plan while meeting inventory reduction targets.
• Implement and manage cycle count systems to ensure accuracy of inventory transactions throughout the entire inventory value stream.
• Utilizes Lean concepts to reduce and manage WIP and inventory and improve material flow.
• 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.
• Manage daily order volume fluctuations to ensure customer Scorecard targets are achieved. Work closely with preferred logistics partners to determine best cost material transportation.
• 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.
• Lead all environmental material initiatives and material safety related items.
• 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.
• Champion Materials team DOS activities to establish a continuous improvement culture.
• Will be required to work across multiple shifts and/or weekends as determined by plant manager or designate.
• Plans, organizes, integrates and measures the work performed within the department.
• Ensure appropriate leadership and development of his/her team: define clear objectives, allocate resources, monitor activities, allocate fair rewards, provide developmental opportunities etc.

Education And Qualifications

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

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.
• SAP experience preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, union experience preferred.
• Inventory and Materials Management – Complete understanding of production planning, proficient in managing material flow, inventory control, and using ERP/MRP systems.
• Must have ability to work with statistical analyses and possess financial acumen.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to influence, elevate issues and ideas, and persuade team and positively manage conflict.
• Track record of innovative and creative approach to drive cost reduction.
• Strong track record of lean implementation.
• Strong strategic thinking skills.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated people management abilities and ability to work in a team environment.

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.