Materials Manager | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $79,000 - $119,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for inventory optimization and ensuring material availability? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Kalamazoo seeking Materials Managers to lead and enhance their operations.

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 Kalamazoo 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

• Develop and implement materials management strategies to optimize inventory levels and reduce costs.
• Oversee the procurement of raw materials, components, and MRO supplies, ensuring timely delivery and quality.
• Manage inventory control processes, including forecasting, cycle counting, and discrepancy resolution.
• Lead and mentor a team of materials planners, buyers, and warehouse personnel.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and sales to ensure material availability for production schedules.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with suppliers to achieve favorable terms.
• Implement and maintain robust supplier performance management systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in material flow, storage, and handling processes.

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

• Experience with ERP systems specializing in materials management modules (e.g., SAP MM, Oracle SCM).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• APICS CSCP or CPIM certification.
• Proficiency in data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for supply chain optimization.
• Project management experience in supply chain or operations.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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