Materials Manager

Job Title: Manager, Materials 
Job Summary  Oversee all materials management activities, including inventory planning and control, purchasing, and distribution. This role ensures the efficient flow of materials to support production while minimizing costs and maintaining quality standards. Key responsibilities include supplier coordination, logistics management, cost control, and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. The Materials Manager also leads the materials team, fosters collaboration with other departments, and implements strategies to optimize supply chain operations. Success in this role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and expertise in inventory management, purchasing, and supply chain processes, with a focus on efficiency and reliability.  
Responsibility 

• Serve as the direct customer contact for customer orders, ensuring accurate scheduling, communication, and fulfillment of requirements.  
• Oversee all materials management activities, including inventory planning, purchasing, logistics, and distribution, to support production and delivery schedules.  
• Supervise and train materials personnel on standards.   
• Lead physical inventories, adjust inventory levels as needed, and prepare monthly and quarterly reports to optimize plant capacity and material flow.  
• Monitor supplier compliance and performance, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery, while minimizing transportation costs using Linamar Transportation when feasible.  
• Maintain lean initiatives and 5S standards in the department, ensuring efficient use of floor space, lot control traceability, and first in, first out inventory practices.  
• Conduct performance appraisals for direct reports, ensuring alignment with Linamar’s Stepping Stool of Success Strategy to balance customer, employee, and financial satisfaction.  

Academic/Educational Requirements 

• Educational background in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field or related work experience.  
• A professional certification, such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), or a similar credential, is an asset.  

Required Skills/Experience 

• 5–7 years of experience in materials management, supply chain, or related fields, preferably in manufacturing. 
• Proficiency in inventory control, purchasing, logistics, and ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).  
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop teams, including conducting performance appraisals.  
• Strong decision-making, delegation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.