Materials Manager | Kentwood, MI

Salary Range: $78,000 - $118,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking 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 in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Kentwood seeking skilled 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 Kentwood 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

• Develop and implement materials management strategies.
• Oversee inventory control and optimization.
• Manage supplier relationships and procurement processes.
• Lead and mentor a team of materials professionals.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with production and planning for material availability.
• Analyze data to identify trends and improve material flow.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives for materials processes.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field
• 7+ years of progressive experience in materials management, inventory control, or production planning within a manufacturing environment
• Proven track record of implementing and optimizing ERP/MRP systems
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and inventory reduction strategies
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a high-performing team
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for materials planning and inventory management.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) with a focus on supply chain optimization.
• Project management experience, particularly in implementing new materials management processes or technologies.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) for forecasting and performance reporting.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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