Materials Manager

Chicago Tube & Iron Company; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Tube & Iron Company is seeking a Materials Manager in St. Paul, MN to oversee inventory control, material planning, and procurement for branch operations.

You’ll balance customer service with inventory investment and operational efficiency, leading a team and partnering with corporate purchasing. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in materials, inventory, purchasing, or supply chain within an industrial setting, with steel distribution experience preferred and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field and/or 5+ years in industrial environment.
• 5-7 years of experience in materials, inventory, purchasing, or supply chain role.
• Steel distribution experience strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience leading or developing employees is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review forecasts for major customers and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Manage branch's special inventory and procurement to meet commitments.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships.
• Identify and implement best practices to reduce inventory and improve turns.
• Partner with Corporate Purchasing and other CTI branches.
• Monitor and manage aging inventory.
• Review open purchase orders and adjust as needed.
• Evaluate mill overages and decide actions for material received.
• Maintain accurate product descriptions and inventory data.
• Provide leadership to Traffic Coordinators and train staff.
• Attend industry seminars and stay informed on market trends.

Skills

Inventory management

Purchasing

Supply chain

Vendor relationships

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Regular Full-Time St. Paul, MN, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1857

Salary Range: $75,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

Take ownership of inventory strategy, supplier relationships, and material flow in a key operational leadership role.

Chicago Tube & Iron is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to oversee inventory control and material planning for our branch operations. This position plays a critical role in ensuring we have the right material, at the right time, while balancing customer service, inventory investment, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate is a strong analytical thinker who understands inventory management, purchasing, and supply chain operations and can build effective relationships with vendors, customers, and internal teams. Experience within steel distribution or an industrial environment is highly valued.

What You'll Do

As Materials Manager, you will:

• Review forecasts for major customers and take proactive action to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Manage the branch's special inventory, including procurement necessary to meet customer commitments.
• Develop and maintain strong, productive vendor relationships.
• Identify and implement best practices that reduce inventory, improve turns, and increase efficiency without compromising customer service.
• Partner closely with Corporate Purchasing and personnel across other CTI branches.
• Monitor and manage aging inventory.
• Review open purchase orders and determine opportunities to cancel, reschedule, or expedite orders based on business needs.
• Evaluate mill overages and determine appropriate action for material received.
• Maintain accurate additional product descriptions and related inventory information.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to Traffic Coordinator(s).
• Ensure timely reporting and effective communication with appropriate team members and leadership.
• Train and develop Traffic Coordinator staff while providing ongoing education and support.
• Attend industry-related seminars and stay informed on relevant market and supply chain developments.
• Support special projects and initiatives as requested by the General Manager.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or a minimum of five years of relevant experience in an industrial environment.
• 5-7 years of experience in a similar materials, inventory, purchasing, or supply chain role.
• Steel distribution experience strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to balance inventory requirements, operational priorities, and customer needs.
• Previous experience leading or developing employees is preferred.

This position primarily works in an office environment with no unusual physical or environmental demands.

Candidates should have the flexibility to work irregular or extended hours, including nights, weekends, or holidays, when business needs require.

Why This Role Matters

The Materials Manager has a direct impact on inventory performance, customer service, purchasing decisions, and branch profitability. You'll have the opportunity to improve processes, develop supplier relationships, lead team members, and help ensure our customers have the material they need when they need it.

Additional duties may be assigned based on business needs.

FOCUS ON DIVERSITY

We believe cultivating an inclusive workplace where employee belonging and empowerment are foundational to everything we do. The unique insights and experiences of our diverse teams are what fuel our safe, profitable growth.