Job Description

The Materials & Planning Manager will oversee and lead the materials and planning team.  The team is responsible for the planning, procurement, and management of all materials used in the production of our Cabs, Fire & Emergency Vehicles and Specialized Vehicles. The role requires effective leadership and mentoring of staff, a keen understanding of inventory management, and the ability to collaborate with leadership, suppliers, and production teams to ensure the timely and efficient flow of materials to meet production goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Team Leadership & Collaboration:
  1. Supervise and mentor the materials team, ensuring proper training and development to meet the needs of our Customers and Operations Teams.
  2. Collaborate with production, engineering, and sales to ensure smooth material flow throughout the manufacturing process.
• Material Planning & Procurement:
  1. Develop and execute material planning strategies to ensure timely procurement and production of materials to meet customer demands and schedules.
  2. Coordinate with suppliers to order materials, negotiate pricing, and establish lead times.
  3. Partner with Manufacturing to assure that work orders are completed in a timely fashion, assuring manufacturing material is available to meet upstream demands.  
  4. Monitor material usage trends and adjust procurement strategies as needed.
• Inventory Management:
  1. Oversee the management of raw materials, components, and finished goods inventory.
  2. Develop and implement inventory control systems to minimize waste and ensure accuracy.
  3. Participate in cycle count process, leveraging team to help reconcile discrepancies. 
  4. Maintain optimal inventory levels and ensure timely delivery of materials to avoid production delays.
• Supplier Relations & Cost Management:
  1. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and cost-effective material procurement.
  2. Analyze material costs and identify opportunities to reduce expenses while maintaining quality standards.
  3. Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with suppliers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Excellent leadership skills are required with a demonstrated ability to achieve results through motivating and developing others. 
• A strong work ethic
• Organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to teach others
• Ability to manage multiple tasks
• Excel at communication with company management, customers, and suppliers.  
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to influence and gain commitment at all levels of the organization.     
• Demonstrate complete knowledge of mission, value, and ethics statement.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in materials management, supply chain management, or a related field. 
• Proven success in the leading and mentoring of associates and teammates.
• Strong understanding of inventory management systems and materials planning techniques.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Acumatica, or similar).
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment is preferred.

SUPERVISION

• This position manages all employees of the department and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within that department.