Materials Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $81,000 - $121,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for inventory optimization and ensuring material availability? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Portage seeking Materials Managers to lead and enhance their operations.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in Portage 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 and optimize inventory levels for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to meet production demands and minimize costs.
• Develop and implement robust material planning and scheduling strategies to ensure on-time availability for manufacturing operations.
• Manage supplier relationships in conjunction with procurement to ensure timely delivery of quality materials and resolve supply chain disruptions.
• Utilize and maintain ERP/MRP systems for accurate material forecasting, planning, and inventory control.
• Lead and mentor the materials team, including planners, buyers, and warehouse staff, to achieve departmental goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in material flow, logistics, and warehousing operations to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with production, sales, and engineering departments to align material strategies with overall business objectives.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proven experience (5-7+ years) in materials management, supply chain, or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and advanced Excel for data analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in inventory management, forecasting, production planning, and logistics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with a track record of cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification
• Proficiency with advanced supply chain planning and optimization software
• Experience with global logistics and international trade compliance

Job Titles That Should Apply

Materials Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Inventory Manager, Logistics Manager, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager, Materials Control Manager, Warehouse Operations Manager, Supply Chain & Logistics Manager, Inventory Control Manager

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.