Plant Materials Manager

Leprino Foods; Allendale Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health benefits

Dental/Vision

Voluntary benefits

Employee assistance program

Wellness incentives

Tuition assistance

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick time

Paid parental leave

Profit sharing & 401(k)

Job summary

Leprino Foods in Allendale, MI seeks a Materials Manager I to oversee warehouse operations and coordinate the full flow of materials for production. The role blends leadership with materials planning, inventory coordination, and shipment scheduling to keep product moving smoothly across the plant.

This position partners with production, quality and finance teams, builds daily/weekly schedules, maintains inventory accuracy, and leads safety and training within the Materials team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in logistics/warehouse management.
• 8+ years overseeing materials and warehouse operations in a food manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of progressive people leadership experience.
• Proficiency with standard manufacturing systems and ability to learn SAP or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Guide shipping, receiving, and storage of finished goods, ingredients, and packaging materials across the plant.
• Coordinate milk scheduling, cream load-out, and condensed whey shipments to support steady production flow.
• Build daily and weekly materials and production schedules aligned with customer demand and plant capacity.
• Lead warehouse supervisors through clear expectations, consistent routines, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels and rotation practices that support quality, freshness, and availability.
• Coordinate external materials and warehouse services to meet plant needs efficiently.
• Prepare and manage the Materials department budget, supporting thoughtful planning and cost awareness.
• Maintain inventory controls that support financial clarity and operational improvement.
• Lead safety practices within the Materials team and support training that helps everyone work safely.
• Support quality and sanitation programs tied to materials handling and warehouse activities.
• Build strong working relationships with production, quality, finance, and plant leadership.

Skills

People leadership

Learning ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Warehouse Management, or related field, or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Manufacturing systems

Job description

Within our 300-person manufacturing facility in Allendale - Leprino is seeking a Materials Manager I to oversee warehouse operations while coordinating the full flow of materials that support production. This role blends warehouse leadership with materials planning, inventory coordination, and shipment scheduling to keep product moving efficiently across the plant.

What You'll Do:

• Guide shipping, receiving, and storage of finished goods, ingredients, and packaging materials across the plant.
• Coordinate milk scheduling, cream load-out, and condensed whey shipments to support steady production flow.
• Build daily and weekly materials and production schedules that align with customer demand and plant capacity.
• Lead warehouse supervisors through clear expectations, consistent routines, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels and rotation practices that support quality, freshness, and availability.
• Coordinate external materials and warehouse services to meet plant needs efficiently.
• Prepare and manage the Materials department budget, supporting thoughtful planning and cost awareness.
• Maintain inventory controls that support financial clarity and operational improvement.
• Lead safety practices within the Materials team and support training that helps everyone work safely.
• Support quality and sanitation programs tied to materials handling and warehouse activities.
• Build strong working relationships with production, quality, finance, and plant leadership.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• A Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Warehouse Management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Eight or more years of experience overseeing materials and warehouse operations within a food manufacturing environment.
• Two or more years of progressive people leadership experience.
• Proficiency with standard manufacturing systems and the ability to learn SAP or similar platforms.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Experience within dairy or cheese manufacturing environments.
• Direct leadership experience supporting or guiding supervisors.
• Master's in supply chain, logistics, or operations management.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company." From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?