Materials Manager | Montague, MI

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

Are you a meticulous 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 fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Montague 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 collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Montague region seeking Materials Managers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, procurement, storage, and distribution of raw materials, components, and finished goods.
• Develop and implement inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and minimize carrying costs while ensuring material availability.
• Lead and mentor a team of materials planners, buyers, and warehouse personnel, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery, quality, and competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and sales teams to forecast demand and align material flow with production schedules.
• Drive initiatives to improve material handling processes, warehouse layout, and logistics efficiency.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to materials management, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.

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 in inventory management, demand forecasting, and production planning
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and their application in manufacturing operations
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies, particularly for process optimization and waste reduction.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and manage an ERP system for inventory and supply chain management.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and compliance standards (e.g., RoHS, REACH, FDA, aerospace standards).
• Proven track record in supplier relationship management and negotiation for long-term strategic partnerships.
• Bilingual proficiency, especially in languages relevant to international suppliers or company operations.

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.