Job Title: Director of Materials Management: Manufacturing 

Position Summary

The Director of Materials Management is responsible for leading and optimizing all material planning, procurement, inventory control, and logistics activities for an electronics manufacturing organization. This role ensures uninterrupted production through effective supply chain strategies, cost control, supplier management, and compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. The Director partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support on-time delivery, inventory optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute materials management and supply chain strategies aligned with business goals and production requirements

• Lead, mentor, and develop teams across planning, purchasing, inventory control, and logistics

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and best-in-class supply chain practices

Materials Planning & Inventory Control

• Oversee demand planning, MRP, and materials forecasting to support production schedules and customer commitments

• Establish inventory policies to balance service levels, cash flow, and obsolescence risk, particularly for electronic components

• Monitor KPIs such as inventory turns, shortages, excess and obsolete (E&O), and on-time delivery

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Direct strategic sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and cost-reduction initiatives

• Manage supplier performance, risk, and continuity of supply, including second-source and lifecycle management strategies

• Collaborate with Engineering on BOM management, component qualification, and product transitions

Logistics & Operations Support

• Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, warehousing, and material flow to support efficient manufacturing operations

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, and trade requirements (e.g., RoHS, REACH, ITAR, import/export)

• Partner with Operations to resolve material shortages, expedite critical components, and support new product introductions (NPI)

Financial & Systems Management

• Manage materials budgets, cost controls, and working capital objectives

• Ensure effective use and continuous improvement of ERP/MRP systems

• Support audits, reporting, and data accuracy related to inventory and procurement

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field

• MBA or advanced degree preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in materials management or supply chain within electronics manufacturing

• 5+ years in a leadership or director-level role

• Strong background in electronic components, contract manufacturing, or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environments

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and demand planning tools

• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and cost-reduction skills

• Proven leadership and team-development capabilities

• Excellent analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies

Preferred Attributes

• Experience managing global suppliers and complex supply chains

• Familiarity with component lifecycle management and obsolescence mitigation

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, changing manufacturing environment