Materials Manager
Food Production & Manufacturing Newark , New Jersey Direct Hire Oct 8, 2026
Materials Manager – Manufacturing
Location: Newark, NJ
Salary: $95,000-$120,000
We are seeking an experienced Materials Manager to oversee raw materials, finished goods, inventory, shipping/receiving, and material flow within a manufacturing facility. This position will work closely with Production, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, and distributors to ensure materials are available when needed and operations run efficiently.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience in materials management, warehouse operations, inventory control, scheduling, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage raw materials, finished goods, inventory, and material flow throughout the facility.
- Oversee a team of 5–15 employees supporting forklift operations, inbound/outbound shipments, cycle counts, scheduling, and material ordering.
- Coordinate incoming and outgoing deliveries and work closely with trucking vendors, distributors, and suppliers.
- Ensure accurate inventory levels, physical counts, expediting, and bill of materials.
- Partner daily with Production and Operations to identify material or scheduling issues and implement solutions.
- Adjust staffing, shift schedules, and overtime requirements based on production demand.
- Monitor department performance related to safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
- Investigate shipping errors and implement corrective/preventive actions.
- Manage employee attendance, performance, coaching, and minor employee relations issues.
- Develop and maintain work instructions and ensure consistent work processes.
- Ensure compliance with DOT, customs, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste in accordance with regulations.
- Participate in and lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on material flow, throughput, quality, and productivity.
- Maintain strong working relationships with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, contractors, and distributors.
- Be a hands-on leader who regularly works on the floor with employees and cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
- 5–10 years of relevant manufacturing experience, preferably in materials management, warehouse management, or the paint/coatings industry.
- Experience managing incoming/outgoing materials and finished goods.
- Previous leadership experience overseeing employees in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
- Experience with inventory management, physical counts, expediting, and bills of materials.
- SAP experience strongly preferred.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Microsoft Project.
- Experience working with vendors, trucking companies, contractors, and fleet drivers.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with both salaried and hourly employees.
- Lean Manufacturing/Continuous Improvement experience.
- Hands‑on leadership style with the ability to work independently while driving team goals.
Zing Recruiting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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