Materials Manager | Lansing, 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 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 Lansing 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 partner with manufacturers across Lansing seeking Materials Managers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

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 waste.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to forecast material needs and manage supply chain risks.
• Monitor and report on key materials management metrics, identifying areas for process improvement.
• Lead and develop a team of materials planners, buyers, and warehouse personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, quality, and environmental regulations.

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 manufacturing
• Proven experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for inventory control and planning
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their application to materials flow
• Demonstrated ability to optimize inventory levels while ensuring production continuity

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) for materials planning and inventory management.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) and experience applying principles to optimize material flow and reduce waste.
• APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP) demonstrating expertise in supply chain and inventory management.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) to drive data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with global sourcing and supplier management in a multi-national manufacturing environment.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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