Materials Manager, LIT Industry

Xylem; Rockford (IL); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Xylem seeks a Materials Manager for its Rockford location, focusing on optimizing materials management and inventory practices. The role encompasses developing strategies, leading a team, and collaborating with procurement to ensure efficiency. Join a leading water technology company at the forefront of sustainable solutions.

Benefits

Paid Volunteer Program

Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on materials or inventory management experience, including 2+ years in a supervisory role.
• Proven track record implementing lean methodologies (VSM, 5S, kaizen).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end materials management system within the organization.
• Develop materials strategies and maintain the PFEP database.
• Partner with procurement on material-related projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Lean methodology

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Data-analysis tools

Job description

Materials Manager, LIT Industry page is loaded

Materials Manager, LIT Industry

Apply remote type Hybrid locations Rockford, Illinois time type Full time posted on Posted 4 Days Ago job requisition id R42624

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Job Summary:
The Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end materials management system within the organization. This role develops and implements materials policies and procedures, leads a team of materials specialists, and ensures that material planning, sourcing support, and inventory practices align with company objectives. The Materials Manager applies lean methodology and maintains a robust Plan for Every Part (PFEP) database to optimize inventory accuracy, flow, and storage. Although procurement leadership resides elsewhere, this role partners closely with the procurement team on material-related projects and goals.

Responsibilities:

Planning and Forecasting
• Develop materials strategies and plans for all parts and components
• Maintain and optimize the PFEP database—standardize part-level data, define stocking parameters, storage requirements, and replenishment rules
• Forecast material demand and plan inventory levels using usage history and production schedules
• Analyze market, engineering change, and usage trends to adjust plans and buffer levels
• Collaborate with production and engineering to align forecasts with project timelines

• Track material KPIs (DIO, lead time adherence, OTD, service levels, etc)

Procurement Collaboration
• Partner with the procurement team on supplier qualification, lead-time reduction, and cost-improvement initiatives
• Provide PFEP insights and part-level data to support contract negotiations and supplier selection
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and share analysis to drive corrective actions
• Support procurement in inventory planning to balance service levels and carrying costs

Logistics & Distribution (Internal Materials Flow)
• Oversee internal material handling, kitting, staging, and storage processes
• Coordinate with warehouse and production to ensure timely, accurate delivery of materials to point-of-use
• Implement 5S, visual management, and material-flow optimizations to reduce waste and travel
• Track material movement KPIs (turns, lead time adherence, on-time issue rates)

Risk Management
• Identify material-related risks—shortages, obsolescence, quality issues—and develop mitigation plans
• Establish safety-stock and contingency strategies to minimize production disruptions
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards in all materials activities
• Manage material nonconformance, recalls, and returns processes

Continuous Improvement
• Lead lean projects (value-stream mapping, kaizen events) to eliminate waste and improve flow
• Use data analytics to track PFEP health, cycle times, accuracy, and cost savings
• Develop and document standard work, update PFEP records, and train the team on best practices
• Stay current on industry trends, tools, and technologies to enhance materials operations

Team Management:
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of materials specialists, providing regular feedback and support
• Set clear goals, KPIs, and performance expectations; conduct performance reviews
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Design and deliver training on lean methods, PFEP maintenance, and system use

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• 5+ years of hands-on materials or inventory management experience in a manufacturing/industrial setting, including 2+ years in a supervisory role
• Proven track record implementing lean methodologies (VSM, 5S, kaizen) and maintaining PFEP or similar part-level systems
• Strong analytical skills; proficient with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and data-analysis tools (Excel, Power BI)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with procurement, production, and engineering
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or equivalent) preferred
• Experience with ISO/ANSI standards and regulatory compliance a plus

Salary range:

$107,100.00 - $192,800.00

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation

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