Materials Manager

Socket.dev; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Tube & Iron seeks a Materials Manager to oversee inventory control, material planning, and supplier relations for our branch operations.

The ideal candidate will forecast needs, manage aging inventory, and drive procurement to meet commitments while balancing service, investment, and efficiency. Strong analytical skills and 5–7 years in a related role are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field and/or 5+ years in an industrial environment.
• 5–7 years in materials, inventory, purchasing, or supply chain.
• Steel distribution experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Review forecasts and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Manage branch special inventory and procurement to meet commitments.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships.
• Identify best practices to reduce inventory and improve turns without harming service.
• Coordinate with Corporate Purchasing and other CTI branches.
• Monitor aging inventory and review POs for cancellation, reschedule, or expediting.
• Provide day-to-day leadership to Traffic Coordinators and ensure reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Vendor relationships

Inventory optimization

Forecasting

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

Work Environment & Schedule

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.

If you're an experienced materials or inventory professional who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and keeping operations moving, we'd like to hear from you.

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER