Materials Manager - Lean & JIT Auto Manufacturing

Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead plant materials, inventory, and supply chain operations in a fast-paced automotive JIT environment. You will drive Lean, Kaizen initiatives and develop a high-performing materials team to ensure uninterrupted material flow.

The role requires overseeing production planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and supplier management, with strong ERP/MRP (SAP/Oracle) experience and advanced Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain/related field.
• Minimum 5 years leading materials or supply chain in automotive JIT.
• Experience managing JIT material flow in high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience supervising and developing teams of 10+ employees.
• Strong knowledge of inventory, planning, procurement, logistics, and supplier management.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant materials and supply chain operations to support production schedules.
• Maintain uninterrupted material flow and optimal inventory levels.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement across materials.
• Manage procurement, warehousing, and logistics activities.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and quality.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage inventory, planning, and reporting.
• Develop inventory strategies balancing service, production needs, and cost.
• Monitor KPIs and identify efficiency improvements.
• Ensure ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 compliance.
• Lead and mentor a materials team to foster accountability and improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Leadership.
• Prepare and present operational reports using advanced Excel.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead plant materials, inventory, and supply chain operations in a fast-paced automotive JIT environment. You will drive Lean, Kaizen initiatives and develop a high-performing materials team to ensure uninterrupted material flow.

The role requires overseeing production planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and supplier management, with strong ERP/MRP (SAP/Oracle) experience and advanced Excel skills.