Materials Manager | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $86,000 - $126,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled 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 building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Traverse City 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 collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Traverse City region seeking Materials Managers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, procurement, storage, and distribution of raw materials and finished goods.
• Develop and implement inventory control strategies to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
• Manage and mentor a team of materials planners, buyers, and warehouse personnel.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and sales to forecast material needs and align supply with demand.
• Implement and maintain robust material tracking systems to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier reliability and material availability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in materials management processes and systems.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field (e.g., Engineering, Materials Science).
• 7+ years of progressive experience in materials management, production planning, or inventory control within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Plex) for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and production scheduling.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, just-in-time (JIT) methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive cost reduction initiatives.
• APICS CSCP or CPIM certification preferred.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly SAP or Oracle.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with sustainable materials and manufacturing practices.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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