Materials Manager | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Rockford seeking 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 are partnering with organizations in Rockford that are seeking Materials Managers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the procurement of raw materials, components, and MRO supplies.
• Develop and implement inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and minimize obsolescence.
• Manage supplier relationships, including performance evaluation, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution.
• Lead and mentor a team of purchasing agents, buyers, and inventory control specialists.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality departments to ensure timely material availability and adherence to specifications.
• Implement and maintain robust material tracking systems to ensure accurate inventory records.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in material flow, cost reduction, and supply chain efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and company policies regarding material handling and procurement.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in materials management, production planning, or inventory control within a manufacturing environment
• Proven expertise in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for inventory management, demand forecasting, and production scheduling
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for materials planning and inventory management.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau).
• Fluency in a second language relevant to the company's global supply chain.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Materials Manager, Raw Materials Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Procurement Manager, Inventory Manager, Logistics Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Warehouse 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.