Materials Manager (Food)

SkyChefs; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits starting Day 1

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Career growth opportunities

Fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Job summary

SkyChefs, Minneapolis facility near MSP International, seeks a Materials Manager to lead inventory, purchasing, warehouse operations, and distribution to keep our operation running smoothly.

This hands-on leadership role requires analytical thinking, supplier coordination, and a track record of cost control in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years in purchasing and inventory, plus 1–3 years of supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3–5 years experience in purchasing, inventory and warehouse management.
• Experience with food products is preferred.
• 1–3 years supervisory experience.
• Basic knowledge of Demand Planning and Vendor Management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee inventory management to meet financial and customer requirements.
• Handle all merchandise from receipt to production issuance.
• Control Food Cost Variances and compare to billed costs.
• Determine par levels and order quantities based on airline specs.
• Manage personnel for inventory, ordering, receiving, storage and requisitions.
• Track product usage and yields relative to ordering requirements.
• Coordinate inventory and reporting processes and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Inventory control

Vendor coordination

Leadership

Demand planning

Lean manufacturing

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP MM

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Role Purpose Statement

Materials Manager - Minneapolis, MN (Near MSP Airport)

Join a fast-paced airline catering operation supporting some of the world's leading airline customers at our Minneapolis facility near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. As the Materials Manager, you will lead all inventory, purchasing, warehouse, receiving, and product distribution activities that keep our operation running efficiently and on schedule.

This highly visible leadership role is responsible for ensuring the right products are available at the right time while maintaining inventory accuracy, controlling food and supply costs, and supporting operational excellence. You will oversee inventory planning, vendor coordination, warehouse operations, and regulatory compliance while leading a team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to airline customers.

The ideal candidate combines strong supply chain and inventory management expertise with a hands-on leadership style, analytical thinking, and a passion for continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity to make a direct impact on operational performance, customer satisfaction, and financial results within a dynamic, 24/7 environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits starting Day 1
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career growth opportunities with a global industry leader
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment supporting major airline partners

Main Accountabilities

• Oversee all aspects of inventory management to ensure financial and customer requirements are met
• Handle all company and customer owned merchandise received until it is issued to production
• Control Food Cost Variances and continually compare actual to billed costs
• Determine par levels and order quantities based on airline specifications, menus and vendor lead time
• Manage personnel to maintain proper inventory, ordering, receiving, storage and requisition processes
• Track product usage and yields in relation to ordering requirements
• Coordinate and participate in inventory and reporting processes
• Maintain regulatory compliance standards (examples: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc.)

Leadership

• Ensure that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed and directed
• Guide, motivate and develop the subordinate employees within the Human Resources Policy
• Participates in coaching the expanded Global Performance System (GPS) process, as well as additional career development activities to enhance the effectiveness and potential of the team
• Make the company's values and management principles live in the department(s)
• Plan / Implement and control the cost budget in the area of responsibility; initiate and steer corrective actions in case of deviations
• Participate and support company sponsored initiatives such as Global Quality Standards (GQS), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Lean Manufacturing, Employee Safety

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• In addition three to five years experience in purchasing, inventory and warehouse management required
• Experience with food products
• One to three years supervisory experience
• Basic knowledge of Demand Planning and Vendor Management
• Basic knowledge of lean manufacturing and supply chain management
• Proven success in improving work processes, leading change and role models positive behaviors as well as change agent skills in a complex and fast paced environment
• Established ability to identify the vision and produces goals with realistic plans to achieve them
• Ability to interact with employees, customers and vendors at all levels
• Proficient in computer skills including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience in SAP MM a plus
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to provide leadership

SkyChefs is an EEO and affirmative action employer of women/minorities/veterans/individuals with disabilities.