Materials Manager - Rockford Area

Materials Manager | Rockford, MI Salary Range: $86,000 - $126,000 depending on experience Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for inventory optimization and ensuring material availability? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Rockford seeking skilled Materials Managers. The Opportunity We partner with manufacturers across Rockford seeking Materials Managers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement strategies for efficient inventory management of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods. Oversee procurement activities, supplier relationships, and contract negotiations to ensure cost-effective and timely material acquisition. Collaborate with production, sales, and engineering teams to optimize material planning, forecasting, and scheduling. Manage warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, material handling, and distribution, to support production needs. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce material costs, minimize waste, and enhance supply chain efficiency. Utilize and optimize ERP/MRP systems for accurate material planning, tracking, and reporting. Lead, mentor, and develop the materials management team, including buyers, planners, and warehouse personnel. Recommended Qualifications 5-7+ years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or procurement within a manufacturing environment. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Demonstrated proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for inventory control, demand planning, and procurement. Proven ability in demand forecasting, inventory optimization, supplier negotiation, and logistics management. Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, with a focus on continuous improvement methodologies. Bonus Qualifications APICS CPIM or CSCP certification Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification Proficiency with advanced supply chain analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) Experience in strategic sourcing and supplier development initiatives Job Titles That Should Apply Materials Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Inventory Manager, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager, Warehouse Manager, Materials Planning Manager, Inventory Control Manager, Supply 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.