Materials Manager

Gibson Brands Inc.; Nashville-Davidson (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Materials Manager to oversee purchasing and inventory management in a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role is crucial in ensuring operational excellence through effective collaboration across departments and implementing best practices for procurement and materials control. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in inventory management, team leadership, and project management, along with exceptional organizational skills. Join a company with a rich legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, where your contributions will directly impact the success of the organization and its iconic products.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of inventory control experience in a technical manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead purchasing, materials control, and inventory management processes.
• Collaborate with Finance, Production, and Engineering to ensure operational excellence.

Skills

Inventory Control

Team Leadership

Microsoft Excel

Project Management

Problem-Solving

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft D365

BI Reporting Tools

Job description

Gibson Inc., the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sound of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, Gibson Amps, KRK, and Maestro.

Job Summary

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading the purchasing, receiving, materials control, inventory management, and distribution processes to ensure operational excellence in a fast-paced, technical manufacturing environment. This role oversees the procurement of parts and raw materials, the physical and systematic receiving and storage of materials, and the shipping of finished goods. Collaborating across Finance, Purchasing, Production, and Engineering, the Materials Manager ensures best practices are implemented to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy and quality control.

The Materials Manager plays a critical role in developing and implementing processes for material staging, delivery, and Bill of Materials (BOM) accuracy. This position fosters collaboration across departments to achieve inventory management and factory operational goals.

Essential Functions

• Lead and mentor teams to ensure adherence to purchasing processes, compliance with inventory targets, and alignment with company objectives.
• Oversee material supply activities, receiving, material control, and inventory accuracy, ensuring timely execution of processes.
• Manage Receiving and Warehousing operations to ensure accurate and efficient receiving, stock-to-production transactions, and external sourcing.
• Audit MRP/D365 processes to confirm accurate consumption and issuance of components at the point of use.
• Analyze material variances in collaboration with Supply Chain Operations, Production, and Engineering teams using Microsoft D365, Excel, and BI reporting tools.
• Communicate and execute inventory system adjustments in collaboration with Finance.
• Partner with Quality to document and address material substitutions resulting from deviations; recommend BOM updates as needed.
• Oversee and audit raw material inventory locations, ensuring timely and accurate transactions aligned with MES reporting.
• Execute cycle counting processes, identify trends, and develop corrective action plans in partnership with Finance and other departments.
• Align lead times and inventory plans with ERP/MRP systems (Plan For Every Part – PFEP) to meet operational needs.
• Collaborate with the Supply Chain team to achieve inventory accuracy, value, and space optimization targets.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong ability to measure, communicate, and improve performance through metrics.
• Proven experience in team leadership and team building, with the ability to manage operations across materials functions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of inventory control processes, including point-of-use supplies, single-piece flow, supermarkets, and reorder points.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage complexity, prioritize effectively, and remain calm under pressure.
• Skilled in resolving systemic and operational challenges while leading the team dynamically.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 5+ years of inventory control experience in a highly technical manufacturing environment producing consumer goods where performance and aesthetics are critical.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including statistical analysis capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Project management experience, with a proven track record of driving initiatives to successful completion.
• Extensive experience with material handling equipment and inventory systems management.
• Expertise in team leadership, collaboration, project management, and problem-solving.
• In-depth understanding of inventory controls, including material staging, inventory accuracy, and transaction processes.

Personal Qualities

• Analytical mindset with a passion for problem-solving and process improvement.
• Calm and confident under pressure, with the ability to lead teams through complex, dynamic challenges.
• Clear and effective communicator, capable of delegating equitably and inspiring accountability.
• A "Player-Coach" who leads by example while mentoring team members.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and focused on continuous learning and development.
• Strong servant leadership mentality, committed to supporting team success and driving company objectives.

Travel Requirements

• Less than 10%, across other facilities

Physical Demands

• Mobility to work in a typical office and field (warehouse/production) settings and use standard office equipment. Strength to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

We celebrate diversity and Gibson Brands, Inc is an Equal Opportunity employer.