Job Title: Material Management Specialist
Job Description
We are seeking a talented Materials Manager to lead inventory management, production planning, logistics coordination, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities across multiple manufacturing sites. This role acts as the critical link between demand forecasts, material availability, production schedules, and operational execution. The successful candidate will oversee inventory and production control functions, manage production planning resources across multiple plants, and drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost savings, productivity, inventory optimization, and on-time delivery performance.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain division-wide production plans and master schedules to support customer demand and business forecasts.
Align manufacturing capacity, labor, material availability, and equipment resources to achieve customer service and inventory objectives.
Coordinate production priorities across multiple manufacturing facilities.
Manage production schedules across weekly, monthly, and long-range planning horizons, resolving scheduling conflicts caused by material shortages, engineering changes, labor constraints, machine availability, and changing business priorities.
Lead all inventory control activities, including inventory strategy, inventory accuracy, records management, and material planning.
Partner closely with Procurement to ensure timely replenishment of raw materials and components.
Drive aggressive inventory optimization and inventory reduction initiatives while maintaining customer service levels.
Monitor inventory performance and adjust stock levels based on changing business conditions and production requirements.
Lead monthly S&OP processes for the division.
Translate sales forecasts into executable production and inventory plans.
Work cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Procurement, Engineering, and Finance to balance demand and supply requirements.
Direct and mentor Production Control and Logistics (PCL) team members across multiple manufacturing locations.
Provide leadership and guidance to production planning and inventory control personnel.
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and continuous improvement-focused culture.
Identify and implement process improvements that drive cost savings, productivity enhancements, inventory reductions, and service level improvements.
Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives across the division.
Analyze operational data and present recommendations to leadership.
Develop reports and dashboards measuring inventory, production, service, and operational performance.
Analyze trends and provide recommendations to improve planning effectiveness.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Materials Management, or related field.
5+ years of experience in Production Planning, Inventory Control, Materials Management, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing Operations.
Experience leading production planning or supply chain teams within a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of production scheduling, inventory management, capacity planning, demand planning, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with particular expertise in Excel.
Analytical skills to read, pull data, and present it to large groups.
Willingness to travel periodically to division manufacturing facilities.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent).
Experience supporting multiple manufacturing plants.
Experience within SAP is preferred.
Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
leading inventory reduction and cost savings initiatives.
Experience with production control and logistics functions in a discrete manufacturing environment.
Ability to remain calm under pressure.
Strong communication skills to effectively engage with all levels of the organization.
Capability to make recommendations and drive change.
Work Environment
The position requires working onsite from Monday to Thursday, with the option to work remotely one day a week. Periodic travel to Wisconsin manufacturing plants (approximately 1.5-2 hours from Golden Valley) and quarterly travel to the Pennsylvania plant location is required. Estimated travel is up to 25%.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Minneapolis, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $165000.00/yr.
Will update more with specific company benefits!
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Minneapolis,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
