Strategic Materials & Production Lead

Dana Corp; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana is seeking a Materials Manager to oversee procurement, storage, and distribution of materials for manufacturing operations. The role focuses on ensuring materials are available on time, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing inventory to support efficiency and cost control.

Responsibilities span coordinating with production, engineering, and maintenance, leading a high-performance materials team, and driving continuous improvement in material flow and cycle counts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of applicable experience.
• 10+ years of experience.
• In-depth understanding of production scheduling, customer service, engineering & quality functions.
• Experience in a unionized work environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing schedules and ensure compliance with production, test, development, documentation, and safety standards.
• Apply Lean concepts to reduce WIP, inventory, and improve material flow.
• Maintain controls and inventory levels aligned with forecasts for manufacturing and customer service.
• Assist in business planning including capital improvements and plant production capability projections.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, maintenance and other departments to meet production goals.
• Lead environmental material initiatives and material safety-related items.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Inventory management

Education

Bachelor's degree or 4+ years experience

10+ years experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Dana is seeking a Materials Manager to oversee procurement, storage, and distribution of materials for manufacturing operations. The role focuses on ensuring materials are available on time, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing inventory to support efficiency and cost control.

Responsibilities span coordinating with production, engineering, and maintenance, leading a high-performance materials team, and driving continuous improvement in material flow and cycle counts.