Materials Manager #2485

Gilder Search Group; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group in Sterling, IL is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead the Materials Management function at our Sterling manufacturing facility. This hands-on leadership role ensures materials are available for production while driving efficiency, cost control, and team development.

The ideal candidate has several years of Materials Management experience in manufacturing and understands end-to-end material flow—from planning and procurement to inventory and production.

Qualifications

• Experience leading Materials Management in manufacturing.
• Ability to plan, procure, and manage inventory flow.
• Proven track record in reducing costs and improving efficiency.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Materials Management team for the Sterling facility.
• Manage budgets, expenses, hiring, compensation, and team performance.
• Forecast demand and adjust production schedules based on data.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, optimize inventory and cut costs.
• Set department KPIs and hold the team accountable for results.
• Partner with Quality to maintain standards and reduce defects.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed within the department.
• Hire, train, mentor, and develop Materials Management staff.

Skills

Materials Management

Production Planning

Inventory Management

Forecasting & Demand Planning

KPI & Performance Management

Budget & Expense Management

Leadership & People Management

Education

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

ERP Systems

Job description

Materials Manager

Sterling, IL

We are seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead the Materials Management function at our Sterling manufacturing facility. This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for ensuring materials are available to support production while improving efficiency, controlling costs, and developing a high-performing materials team.

The ideal candidate has several years of Materials Management experience within a manufacturing environment and understands the flow of materials through a plant, from planning and procurement through inventory management and production.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Lead and oversee the Materials Management team for the Sterling manufacturing facility.
• Manage department budgets, expenses, hiring, compensation, and overall team performance.
• Analyze production data and trends to forecast demand and adjust production schedules as needed.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, optimize inventory, and reduce costs.
• Establish department goals, KPIs, and performance standards while holding the team accountable for results.
• Partner closely with Quality to maintain standards, improve processes, and reduce defects.
• Ensure all safety procedures and requirements are followed within the department.
• Hire, train, mentor, and develop Materials Management employees.
• Collaborate with Materials teams across North American facilities to share best practices and improve overall performance.
• Partner cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure production targets and operational goals are achieved.

What We’re Looking For

The most important qualification is strong Materials Management experience in a manufacturing environment. We are looking for someone who understands how materials flow through a manufacturing plant and has experience managing both the people and processes responsible for that flow.

Experience in the following areas is highly valued:

• Materials Management
• Production planning and scheduling
• Materials planning
• Inventory management
• Supply chain
• Purchasing and procurement
• Manufacturing operations
• ERP systems
• Forecasting and demand planning
• KPI and performance management
• Budget and expense management
• Continuous improvement and cost reduction

Leadership Experience

This position requires a proven leader who has managed a Materials team and can set clear expectations, establish goals, monitor KPIs, and manage performance.

The successful candidate will have experience hiring, training, coaching, and developing employees and will be comfortable creating a collaborative, accountable team environment.

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree preferred.
• 6+ years of Materials Management experience preferred.
• Strong manufacturing experience required.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience within Materials Management, Supply Chain, Production Planning, or a related function.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing planning processes.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has spent several years managing materials, inventory, and planning within a manufacturing environment and is ready to take ownership of the Materials Management function for an entire facility.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Materials leader who enjoys improving processes, developing people, solving problems, and partnering across an organization to keep production moving efficiently.