Materials Manager | Battle Creek, MI

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 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 Battle Creek 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 are working with companies in Battle Creek that are adding Materials Managers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

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 carrying costs.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Lead and mentor a team of materials planners, buyers, and warehouse personnel.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and sales teams to forecast demand and align material availability.
• Implement and maintain robust materials management systems and processes.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to materials management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in supply chain efficiency and cost reduction.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 5+ years experience in materials management or a similar supply chain role within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience with ERP/MRP systems for inventory control and production planning
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and inventory optimization techniques
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with an ERP system migration or implementation.
• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Multilingual, particularly in languages relevant to global supply chains.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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