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 to meet production demands and minimize carrying costs.
• Develop and execute material sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship management strategies.
• Oversee demand forecasting and production planning to ensure timely material availability.
• Lead and mentor the materials team, including purchasing, inventory, and logistics staff.
• Implement and maintain robust inventory control systems and processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure material quality and specifications are met.
• Drive continuous improvement in material flow, storage, and handling processes.

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.
• Proven proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for inventory, production planning, and material flow.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Just-In-Time (JIT), and supply chain best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills with a focus on cost optimization and efficiency.
• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• PMP certification or demonstrated experience leading complex supply chain projects
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for supply chain analytics
• Experience with international logistics and import/export regulations

Job Titles That Should Apply

Supply Chain Manager, Inventory Manager, Logistics Manager, Procurement Manager, Materials Planning Manager, Warehouse Manager, Inventory Control Manager, Supply Chain Operations 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.