Senior Materials Manager

Opportunity Our client, a leader in the industrial manufacturing industry with a strong track record of success, is hiring a Sr. Materials Manager. This organization is a growing and highly established business that has a strong reputation in the market. As this is a confidential search, details on the organization will be released only to those short‑listed for the opportunity.

The Senior Materials Manager, reporting to the VP Supply Chain, will provide strategic and operational leadership for all materials management functions, ensuring the effective planning, procurement, inventory management, warehousing, and movement of materials required to support manufacturing operations and future growth. Bringing deep expertise in supply chain, demand planning, and lean manufacturing principles, this individual will help strengthen systems, processes, and organizational structure to build a scalable foundation for success.

Working closely with sales and operations, the Senior Materials Manager will translate sales forecasts into material requirements, balancing inventory levels, purchasing strategies, global supply chain considerations, and production demands. The role will oversee the buying, inventory, and warehouse teams while driving continuous improvement initiatives that optimize cost, efficiency, service levels, and operational performance.

Responsibilities Strategic Materials Management & Supply Chain Leadership

Develop and execute materials management, procurement, inventory, and warehousing strategies that support current operations and future organizational growth.

Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Engineering to translate customer demand forecasts into effective material planning and supply chain strategies.

Drive continuous improvement, lean principles, and scalable processes to strengthen operational performance, efficiency, and service delivery.

Demand Planning, Inventory & Procurement Management

Oversee procurement activities to ensure the timely acquisition of raw materials, components, and supplies required to meet production schedules and customer commitments.

Maintain optimal inventory levels by balancing demand requirements, lead times, working capital, and inventory risk while minimizing excess and obsolete stock.

Utilize ERP/MRP systems and forecasting tools to support accurate planning, inventory control, and data‑driven decision‑making.

Supplier & Global Supply Chain Management

Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost competitiveness, reliability, and continuity of supply.

Collaborate with suppliers and logistics partners to manage lead times, resolve supply chain disruptions, and support on‑time delivery performance.

Monitor market conditions, supplier performance, and global supply chain risks, implementing mitigation strategies where required.

Operational Excellence & Performance Improvement

Lead initiatives that improve material flow, inventory accuracy, warehouse operations, and overall supply chain efficiency.

Monitor key performance indicators including inventory turns, material availability, supplier performance, cost management, and on‑time delivery.

Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings, process optimization, and operational effectiveness while maintaining quality and customer service standards.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to procurement, inventory management, and warehousing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Evaluate organizational structure, processes, and capabilities to ensure the team is positioned to support business growth and evolving operational requirements.

Partner with Human Resources on talent development, succession planning, workforce planning, and talent risk management initiatives while motivating and inspiring teams through effective communication and leadership.

First Year – Measures of Success

Achieve 95% supplier on‑time delivery performance to improve material availability, production continuity, and customer fulfillment.

Increase inventory turns to 5.5 within the first year, establishing a path toward a long‑term target of 7.0 while maintaining service levels and material availability.

Enhance warehouse efficiency by reducing material handling and physical inventory movements through the implementation of optimized systems, processes, and inventory management practices.

Individual Given the pivotal role this individual will be expected to play in achieving the objectives of the company and in supporting the success of the organization, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following education, experience, and competencies:

Education

Post‑secondary degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field would be an asset.

APICS or similar supply chain certification is preferred.

Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or related operational excellence certifications would be considered an asset.

Ongoing professional development in supply chain management, inventory optimization, procurement, and leadership is highly valued.

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing supply chain experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership capacity with responsibility for managing teams, driving performance, and implementing process improvements across procurement, inventory, warehousing, and materials management functions.

Demonstrated success leading, coaching, mentoring, and developing teams, including building capability and confidence within less tenured team members.

Experience managing complex supply chains, including supplier relationships, lead time management, inventory optimization, and material availability planning.

Proven ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with Sales, Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Finance to align demand forecasts, production requirements, and material strategies.

Strong experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms to support planning, reporting, and operational decision‑making.

Demonstrated track record of controlling costs, improving operational performance, and achieving budget, inventory, and service‑level objectives.

Strategic Leadership:

Develops and executes materials management and supply chain strategies that support operational performance, customer requirements, and organizational growth.

People Development:

Builds high‑performing teams through coaching, mentoring, training, and succession planning while fostering accountability and continuous learning.

Change Management:

Leads organizational, process, and system improvements by effectively navigating change, gaining stakeholder buy‑in, and driving sustainable results.

Analytical Decision‑Making:

Leverages data, metrics, and business insights to solve complex challenges, optimize inventory and supply chain performance, and support informed decision‑making.

Collaboration & Communication:

Builds strong relationships across functions and communicates effectively with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and leadership to align priorities and achieve business objectives.

Personal Profile

Self‑Directed:

Demonstrates a high degree of initiative, effectively prioritizing time, managing competing demands, and driving results with minimal oversight.

Accountability:

Takes ownership of commitments, decisions, and outcomes, consistently delivering on expectations while holding themselves and others accountable for performance.

Adaptability:

Thrives in a fast‑paced, evolving environment and remains flexible and resilient while navigating changing priorities, business needs, and operational challenges.

Continuous Improvement Mindset:

Naturally seeks opportunities to improve processes, challenge the status quo, and drive operational excellence through innovation and problem‑solving.

Collaborative Leadership:

Builds trust and credibility with teams and stakeholders, fostering a culture of teamwork, engagement, and shared success while leading through influence and support.

Compensation An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

Work Environment Standard Monday – Friday work hours requiring some flexibility in hours; along with up to 15% travel (domestic and international).

Equal Opportunity ProFound Talent is a woman owned and operated business, recognized and certified by Women Business Enterprise (WBE). We pride ourselves in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in our recruitment processes and in our work environment, where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals to whom you may confidentially share your accommodation needs at time of application. We will adjust our processes to ensure you have an inclusive, fair, and respectful experience that allows you to represent yourself in your unique and most authentic way.

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