Materials Manager | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $84,000 - $124,000 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 Grand Rapids 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 partnering with organizations in Grand Rapids that are seeking Materials Managers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, procurement, storage, and distribution of all materials.
• Develop and implement inventory control strategies to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery of materials.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure material availability and quality standards are met.
• Manage and mentor a team of materials planners, buyers, and warehouse personnel.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in material flow, logistics, and supplier management.
• Forecast material requirements based on production schedules and sales forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to material handling and storage.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in materials management, production planning, or inventory control within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Plex) for demand planning, inventory management, and procurement
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their application to materials flow and inventory optimization
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team of materials professionals
• Experience with supplier relationship management and contract negotiation

Bonus Qualifications

• Additional certifications or training

Job Titles That Should Apply

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