Materials Manager: Inventory Optimizer & Vendor Lead

Chicago Tube & Iron; St. Paul (AK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Tube & Iron is seeking a Materials Manager to oversee branch inventory, including special inventory, forecasting for major customers, and procurement to meet commitments.

You will build supplier relationships, collaborate with Corporate Purchasing, and drive best practices to reduce inventory, improve turns, and maintain service levels. The role requires leadership experience and strong analytical, communication, and customer-service skills.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Review forecasts for major customers and take proactive action to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Manage the branch's special inventory, including procurement 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 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.
• 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 Coordinators.
• Ensure timely reporting and effective communication with team members and leadership.
• Train and develop Traffic Coordinator staff with ongoing education and support.
• Attend industry seminars and stay informed on market and supply chain developments.
• Support special projects and initiatives as requested by the General Manager.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Chicago Tube & Iron is seeking a Materials Manager to oversee branch inventory, including special inventory, forecasting for major customers, and procurement to meet commitments.

You will build supplier relationships, collaborate with Corporate Purchasing, and drive best practices to reduce inventory, improve turns, and maintain service levels. The role requires leadership experience and strong analytical, communication, and customer-service skills.