Materials Manager

First Electric Cooperative; Jacksonville (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

First Electric Cooperative is seeking a Materials Manager to direct and coordinate materials management functions, ensuring availability of materials, equipment, and supplies for safe, reliable operations.

The role emphasizes inventory control, purchasing coordination, warehouse operations, and collaboration with internal departments to forecast needs and resolve shortages while maintaining supplier relationships and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, supply chain management, materials management, logistics, or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in materials management, inventory control, purchasing, warehouse operations, or supply chain management preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of inventory control, purchasing, warehouse operations, material handling, vendor management, and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage the material for the Cooperative.
• Develop and maintain procedures with vendor management for receiving, inspecting, storing, issuing, and returning materials.
• Review material specifications and cost-effective alternatives when appropriate.
• Monitor expenditures and assist with Materials/Warehouse budget.
• Forecast material needs with other departments and resolve shortages and delivery problems.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and evaluate performance.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Planning

Supervision

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Recordkeeping

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, materials management, logistics

Tools

Inventory/purchasing software

Job description

Objectives

A. Direct and coordinate the Cooperative's materials management functions to ensure materials, equipment, tools, and supplies are available when needed to support safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations.

B. Maintain effective inventory control, purchasing coordination, warehouse operations, and material distribution practices while providing quality service to internal departments.

Reporting Relationships

A. Reports to the Vice President of Operations

Responsibilities and Authorities

• A. Plan, organize, and manage the material for the Cooperative.
  • 1. Establish and maintain inventory control procedures, stock levels, reorder points, and material availability requirements.
  • a. Monitor inventory levels and usage and recommend appropriate stocking levels.
  • b. Identify obsolete, surplus, damaged, or slow-moving inventory and recommend appropriate disposition.
  • 2. Coordinate purchasing and material requirements with operating departments to ensure materials are available in accordance with work plans and schedules.
  • a. Work with vendors and suppliers regarding pricing, availability, delivery schedules, and product specifications.
  • 3. Maintain accurate records of inventory, receipts, issues, transfers, purchases, and related materials transactions.
  • 4. Ensure warehouse facilities are organized, secure, clean, and operated in accordance with Cooperative procedures and applicable safety requirements through vendor management.
• B. Develop and maintain effective procedures with vendor management for receiving, inspecting, storing, issuing, and returning materials.
• C. Review material specifications and standardization opportunities and recommend cost-effective alternatives when appropriate.
• D. Monitor expenditures and assist with the preparation and administration of the Materials/Warehouse budget.
• E. Work with other departments to forecast material needs and resolve shortages, substitutions, damaged materials, and delivery problems.
• F. Maintain effective relationships with suppliers and evaluate supplier performance, service, quality, and reliability.
• G. Ensure compliance with Cooperative policies, purchasing procedures, internal controls, and applicable laws and regulations.
• H. Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Essential Functions

• A. Maintain accurate inventory records and investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• B. Analyze inventory usage, costs, lead times, and availability to support informed purchasing and stocking decisions.
• C. Communicate effectively with management, employees, vendors, and other departments regarding material requirements and availability.
• D. Operate or oversee the operation of inventory management and purchasing.
• E. Respond to material needs during emergencies, major outages, storms, or other special circumstances as required by the Cooperative.
• F. Ensure the Cooperative has the materials needed to construct new work orders and to perform maintenance.

Other Functions

• A. Assist with Cooperative projects involving material standardization, cost containment, vendor evaluation, and operational efficiency.
• B. Participate in meetings, committees, training, and professional development activities as assigned.
• C. Assist other Cooperative departments with material-related questions, research, and special projects.
• D. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Relationships

• A. Internal
  • 1. Management and department heads: Coordinate material requirements, budgets, purchasing needs, and inventory matters.
  • 2. Employees: Provide materials, information, direction, and assistance necessary to support Cooperative operations.
• B. External
  • 1. Membership: Provide courteous and professional service when materials or warehouse operations affect members or member-related work.
  • 2. General Public: Represent the Cooperative in a professional manner in contacts with vendors, contractors, and the public.
  • 3. Vendors and Suppliers: Maintain professional relationships and communicate regarding pricing, availability, quality, delivery, and service.

Wage and Salary

This position is an exempt position under the Wage and Hour law and overtime compensation is not required.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

MATERIALS MANAGER

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, materials management, logistics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Experience

Five years of progressively responsible experience in materials management, inventory control, purchasing, warehouse operations, supply chain management, or a related field preferred. Experience in an electric utility, cooperative, industrial, or similar operational environment is preferred.

Job Knowledge

Thorough knowledge of inventory control principles, purchasing practices, warehouse operations, material handling, vendor management, and cost control. Knowledge of utility materials, equipment, tools, and supplies is preferred. Knowledge of applicable safety practices, Cooperative policies, and procedures related to purchasing, inventory, and warehouse operations. Working knowledge of inventory management, purchasing, and computer software systems.

Abilities and Skills

Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities. Ability to supervise, motivate, train, and evaluate employees. Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills. Ability to analyze inventory data, costs, usage, and purchasing information. Ability to negotiate and maintain effective working relationships with vendors and employees. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain accurate records and exercise sound judgment regarding inventory and purchasing decisions. Ability to work effectively during emergency situations and changing operational conditions. Proficiency with computers and inventory/purchasing software.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office and warehouse environment, with regular exposure to materials, equipment, tools, storage areas, and outdoor conditions. Must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, climb, and lift or move materials as required by the position. May be required to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, or during emergency/outage situations. Work requires compliance with Cooperative safety rules and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment when applicable.