Materials Manager: Lean Planning & Inventory Leader

Dana; Tennessee; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana in Tennessee is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee production schedules, lead planning, and drive Lean initiatives across the materials value stream. You will coordinate with suppliers and logistics partners to ensure timely, cost-efficient material flow while maintaining inventory targets and high production reliability.

Responsibilities include managing shifts, developing KPIs, and collaborating with engineering, maintenance, and other departments to meet production

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 10 years in manufacturing/production leadership.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles (5S, Kaizen) and material planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the execution of manufacturing schedules.
• Lead production planning and scheduling; develop replenishment systems to ensure material availability and reduce inventory.
• Implement and manage cycle count systems for accurate inventory transactions.
• Apply Lean concepts to reduce WIP/inventory and improve material flow.
• Develop supplier relationships and metrics; monitor performance and drive corrective actions.
• Manage daily order fluctuations and collaborate with logistics partners for best-cost transportation.
• Ensure alignment of inventory levels with forecasts for production and customer service.
• Support business planning, capital improvements, and production capacity projections.
• Lead environmental material initiatives and safety items.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, maintenance, and other departments to achieve production goals.
• Prepare cost, production, labor, quality, and facility reports.
• Ensure timely, economical receipt of materials and compliance with plant standards.
• Drive continuous improvement culture within Materials team.
• May work across multiple shifts and weekends as required.
• Plan, organize, integrate, and measure department work.
• Provide leadership and development opportunities for team members.

Skills

Leadership & Team Management

Lean Manufacturing

Inventory & Materials Management

SAP experience

ERP/MRP systems

Financial acumen

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of applicable experience

10+ years of experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

Dana in Tennessee is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee production schedules, lead planning, and drive Lean initiatives across the materials value stream. You will coordinate with suppliers and logistics partners to ensure timely, cost-efficient material flow while maintaining inventory targets and high production reliability.

Responsibilities include managing shifts, developing KPIs, and collaborating with engineering, maintenance, and other departments to meet production