Materials Manager | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $85,000 - $125,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for inventory optimization and ensuring material availability? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Kalamazoo, seeking experienced Materials Managers to strengthen their teams.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Kalamazoo that are seeking skilled Materials Managers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize inventory levels for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Oversee procurement activities, supplier relationships, and contract negotiations.
• Direct inbound and outbound logistics, warehousing, and material handling operations.
• Collaborate with production planning to ensure timely material availability for manufacturing schedules.
• Develop and implement material forecasting strategies to support operational demands.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the materials management and supply chain functions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the materials management team.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for inventory control, purchasing, and production planning.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize inventory levels, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost efficiencies.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and just-in-time (JIT) methodologies.

Bonus Qualifications

• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification
• Proven experience in global supply chain management and import/export logistics
• Proficiency with advanced data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for supply chain optimization

Job Titles That Should Apply

Materials Manager, Inventory Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Procurement Manager, Materials Planning Manager, Senior Materials Manager, Director of Materials, Materials Control Manager, Warehouse Manager

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.