Materials Manager | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $86,000 - $126,000 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 St. Johns 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 partner with manufacturers across St. Johns 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

• Develop and implement materials management strategies to optimize inventory levels and reduce costs.
• Oversee the procurement of raw materials, components, and finished goods, ensuring timely delivery and quality.
• Manage inventory control processes, including forecasting, planning, and cycle counting.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and relationship management to secure favorable terms and reliable supply.
• Implement and maintain robust material tracking systems to ensure accuracy and traceability throughout the supply chain.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure material availability and support production schedules.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in materials handling, storage, and logistics to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Develop and manage the materials budget, monitoring expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

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 track record of optimizing inventory levels and reducing carrying costs
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and their application in materials planning
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Experience with ERP system implementation or optimization
• Proficiency in data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Fluency in a second language relevant to global supply chains (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish)

Job Titles That Should Apply

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