A global manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead materials operations across two growing West Michigan facilities.

This is a highly visible leadership role supporting a rapidly expanding automotive business with multiple recent programs launching over the next several years. The Materials Manager will lead purchasing, planning, scheduling, inventory control, and supplier-management activities while helping the organization scale its systems, processes, and team.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, hands-on materials leader who understands automotive manufacturing, anticipates supply-chain risks, and can confidently engage suppliers, customers, corporate partners, and plant leadership.

What You’ll Do

- Lead materials activities across two manufacturing facilities, including purchasing, materials planning, master scheduling, inventory control, and production support.
- Coach, develop, and provide day-to-day leadership to buyers, planners, and scheduling professionals.
- Support the launch of multiple new automotive programs and ensure material readiness throughout pre-launch, launch, and ongoing production.
- Partner with global and local program teams to review bills of material, sourcing decisions, supplier capacity, lead times, and potential supply risks.
- Lead the onboarding and operational integration of new suppliers, particularly within the automotive electronics supply chain.
- Monitor material availability and identify potential disruptions before they affect production or customer delivery.
- Escalate supplier performance issues and drive timely corrective actions when commitments are at risk.
- Build effective relationships with automotive customers, suppliers, operations leaders, program managers, warehouse teams, and corporate stakeholders.
- Ensure accurate ERP/MRP parameters, planning data, inventory records,



and cycle-count controls.
- Drive inventory performance, including improved accuracy, appropriate stocking levels, and the reduction of excess and obsolete materials.
- Oversee the timely and cost-effective flow of materials to production while maintaining quality and handling standards.
- Develop and maintain materials policies, procedures, controls, and corporate reporting.
- Review purchase orders, change notices, contracts, and purchasing claims for accuracy and policy compliance.
- Maintain a visible presence on the manufacturing floor and develop a practical understanding of production processes and material flow.
- Support occasional evening or weekend needs based on production requirements.

What You Bring

- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, operations, engineering, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.
- At least eight years of progressive materials, supply-chain, purchasing, planning, or manufacturing experience.
- Materials leadership experience within the automotive industry.
- Experience supporting major automotive OEM customers; Ford and/or General Motors experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience with automotive program launches, supplier onboarding, and production ramp-up.
- Working knowledge of electronics manufacturing, PCBA, SMT, or a related technical supply chain.
- Demonstrated experience leading buyers, planners, schedulers, or other materials professionals.




- Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems, planning logic, inventory controls, and material requirements.
- Experience with BAAN is helpful but not required; experience with SAP, Oracle, or another manufacturing ERP system is welcome.
- Ability to analyze supply risks, establish priorities, and act before issues disrupt production.
- Confidence holding suppliers accountable and navigating difficult conversations professionally.
- Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to balance hands-on operational involvement with leadership meetings and corporate reporting.
- Willingness to work on-site and support both Walker and Coopersville operations.

What Will Make You Successful

You will thrive in this role if you:
- Lead with urgency without creating unnecessary fire drills.
- Recognize supply-chain risks early and develop practical mitigation plans.
- Know when to elevate an issue and when to let the team execute.
- Build trust with an established team while introducing greater accountability and structure.
- Are comfortable working in a lean, fast-moving manufacturing environment.
- Can collaborate across local operations and a large global organization.
- Enjoy developing people and building scalable materials processes.
- Want the opportunity to grow into broader materials or supply-chain leadership.

The comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Annual performance-bonus opportunity

Local candidates are preferred; however, exceptional candidates outside West Michigan are encouraged to apply. Employment sponsorship is not available for this position.

📌 Materials Manager (Grand Rapids)
🏢 Nmble Hiring Solutions
📍 Grand Rapids