Materials Manager

About the Role

The Materials Manager plays a critical role in overseeing and optimizing the entire materials lifecycle within an aerospace manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for ensuring that all materials required for production are available in the right quantities, at the right time, and meet stringent aerospace quality standards.

The role involves close collaboration with production, supply chain, and quality teams to develop and execute material plans that align with production schedules and business objectives. The Materials Manager will lead efforts to streamline inventory control, improve material flow, and implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and increase operational efficiency.

Ultimately, this role ensures that material management supports uninterrupted production while maintaining cost-effectiveness and compliance with industry regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in materials management within the aerospace or manufacturing industry. Proven expertise in aerospace materials and their specific handling and quality requirements. Strong knowledge of inventory control systems, material planning, and production scheduling.

Demonstrated experience with supply chain management and lean manufacturing methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree or certification in Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, or Lean Six Sigma. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle in a manufacturing environment. Familiarity with aerospace industry standards such as AS9100 and NADCAP. Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a fast-paced production setting.

Strong analytical skills with experience using data-driven approaches to optimize material flow and inventory.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive material plans that align with production schedules and business goals. Manage inventory control processes to optimize stock levels, reduce excess inventory, and prevent material shortages. Coordinate with supply chain partners and internal teams to ensure timely procurement and delivery of aerospace-grade materials.

Monitor and analyze material flow throughout the manufacturing process to identify and resolve bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on lean manufacturing principles to enhance material management and reduce waste. Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards and regulatory requirements related to materials handling and storage.

Prepare and present regular reports on material status, inventory levels, and supply chain performance to senior management. Supervise and mentor materials management staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous development. Skills: The Materials Manager will utilize aerospace materials expertise daily to ensure all materials meet strict quality and compliance standards essential for aerospace manufacturing.

Skills in materials management and material planning are critical for developing accurate production schedules and inventory plans that prevent delays and minimize costs. Supply chain management and inventory control skills are applied to coordinate with suppliers and internal teams, ensuring seamless material availability and efficient stock levels.

Lean manufacturing knowledge is used to identify inefficiencies in material flow and implement process improvements that reduce waste and enhance productivity. Additionally, strong communication and leadership skills are essential for collaborating across departments and guiding the materials team toward achieving operational excellence.