Materials Manager

Are you looking to join a dynamic team that provides its people with the tools to be successfull and opportunities to grow?

Universal Logistics is a leading provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services including transportation, value-added, intermodal, and specialized services utilized throughout entire supply chains.

Universal has immediate career opportunities in your area. Apply today to become part of the Universal team!

Westport Axle is a leading single-source logistics provider that offers a broad scope of services throughout the entire supply chain. Westport's experienced management team, with its state-of-the-art technology, provides customized logistics solutions to its customers resulting in proven efficiencies and savings.

We are looking for an individual who embraces and drives change. They have strong technical skills in materials management as well as proven leadership abilities. Prior experience in leading and implementing improvement projects is required. The Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of materials management within the organization, including receiving, inventory control, logistics, and warehouse management. They ensure that materials are available at the right time, in the right quantity to meet production schedules and customer demand while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing costs.

This position may be required to take on projects and duties outside normal scope as needed but the general scope includes :

Inventory Contr ol : Develop and implement inventory management policies and procedures to optimize inventory levels while minimizing errors. Conduct regular inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies to ensure accuracy and integrity of inventory records. Analyze inventory data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies to reduce excess or obsolete inventory.

Logistics Managem ent : Coordinate transportation and logistics activities to ensure timely delivery of materials to production facilities or customers. Monitor and track shipments to ensure on-time delivery and resolve any issues or delays that may arise.

Warehouse Managem ent : Supervise warehouse operations, including receiving, storing, picking, sequencing, and shipping of materials. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices in warehouse operations. Implement lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and increase efficiency in warehouse operations.

Supplier Relationship Manage ment : Cultivate strong relationships with key suppliers to foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and cost. Collaborate with suppliers to develop and implement supplier development programs aimed at improving supplier performance and capabilities. Work with the Quality Team to address supplier issues or disputes in a timely and professional manner to maintain positive relationships and ensure continuity of service.

Cross-Functional Collabor ation : Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality, and safety, to ensure alignment of materials management activities with overall business objectives. Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders to provide updates on materials availability, lead times, and any issues impacting production or the operation.

Job Duties and Responsibilities :

• Manages a team of Material Coordinators across a multi- shift facility in support of receiving, sequencing, and shipping activities for both broadcast sequencing and ILVS commodities.
• Monitor weekly releases to determine what suppliers need to ship in support of Kentucky Trucking Plant production.
• Directs and manages Material Coordinators- Conducts performance evaluations with accurate / fact based feedback, provides training, guidance, and recommends disciplinary action when necessary, and creates and executes developmental plans for the team.
• Creates and executes strategic plans for the materials team to ensure all daily tasks are assigned to the team and completed by team members, using accountability and ownership.
• Restocks supplies daily and rotates inventory supporting accurate inventory levels, generates orders / requisitions as needed.
• Monitor inventory levels, perform cycle counts, support production and generate various inventory reports.
• Investigate, resolve, and report any inventory discrepancies, shortages, or materials related issues prior to customer impact.
• Works with and supports other department heads (Operations, Quality, Safety, etc.) to plan and execute change management initiatives, exchange information regarding inventories, schedules and other materials related issues.
• Provides customer service and support in addition to operations and reports on Materials related KPI's and metrics when requested or as required by the customer.
• Manage and control inventory and the flow of parts throughout the plant with a focus on maximizing customer service and minimizing overall cost.
• Plays an active role in the quality management team within the organization to ensure "zero" quality defects are sent to our customers and inventory accuracy is maintained above 99.8%
• Follow-up as required with all teams to expedite flow of materials and documents to meet production schedule and customer expectations.
• Support the company's Quality Policy, Environmental Policy and the Integrated Management Systems.
• Review and monitor Key Performance Indicators of assigned processes and advise for continual improvement on a scheduled basis.
• Handles confidential / proprietary information and / or issues using discretion and judgment.

Experience and / or Education