Materials Manager | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $82,000 - $122,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for inventory optimization and ensuring material availability? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Materials Managers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across East Lansing seeking Materials Managers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the procurement of raw materials, components, and MRO supplies.
• Develop and implement inventory control strategies to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and monitor supplier performance.
• Collaborate with production planning to ensure timely availability of materials for manufacturing operations.
• Implement and maintain robust material tracking systems to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Lead and mentor a team of materials planners, buyers, and inventory control personnel.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in material handling, storage, and logistics processes.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in materials management or a similar role within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience with ERP systems and inventory management software
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their application
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for materials planning and inventory management.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships.
• Certification in supply chain management (e.g., CSCP, CPIM).
• Knowledge of sustainable materials and circular economy principles.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Materials Manager, Materials Director, Supply Chain Manager, Inventory Manager, Logistics Manager, Procurement Manager, Operations Manager, Production Planning Manager, Warehouse Manager, Materials Planning Manager

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.