Materials Manager

at Aerotek in Kansas City, Kansas, United States

Job Description

Job Title: Materials Manager

Job Description

The Materials Manager oversees all aspects of materials planning, inventory control, warehouse operations, and production material flow within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment in the Kansas City Metro Area. This role ensures that production receives the right material, in the right quantity, at the right time by developing effective inventory strategies, improving material flow, driving inventory accuracy, and leading warehouse and materials teams. The position focuses on how materials move through the manufacturing operation and on building processes that improve efficiency, reduce shortages, and support operational excellence.

Responsibilities

+ Lead and manage all materials management functions including inventory control, production planning support, warehousing, shipping, receiving, and material handling.

+ Ensure uninterrupted material flow to production through effective materials planning and robust inventory management practices.

+ Drive inventory accuracy initiatives using cycle counting, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous process improvements.

+ Develop and maintain material replenishment strategies that support customer demand, production schedules, and Just-In-Time (JIT) requirements.

+ Partner closely with Production, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Customer-facing teams to align materials activities with organizational goals.

+ Monitor material shortages proactively and develop mitigation plans to prevent production disruptions and missed deliveries.

+ Establish, track, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory accuracy, delivery performance, inventory turns, material shortages, and warehouse efficiency.

+ Lead physical inventory events, cycle count programs, and inventory reconciliation activities to maintain absolute accuracy of stock records.

+ Identify opportunities to improve warehouse layout, material presentation, and line-side delivery processes to enhance material flow and efficiency.

+ Analyze material usage and inventory trends to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives in materials and logistics.

+ Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage inventory transactions, planning activities, and production support requirements.

+ Lead, develop, and mentor materials, inventory, warehouse, and logistics personnel, fostering a culture of safety, accuracy, and accountability.

+ Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and inventory control procedures across all materials and warehouse operations.

+ Support high-volume manufacturing operations by aligning materials planning and logistics with production requirements and customer demand.

+ Collaborate on inventory optimization and lean manufacturing initiatives to reduce waste, improve turns, and support operational performance.

Essential Skills

+ 5+ years of progressive experience in materials management within a manufacturing environment.

+ Prior leadership experience managing materials, inventory, warehouse, logistics, or production support teams.

+ Strong understanding of inventory management principles, material planning, and production support in high-volume manufacturing.

+ Hands-on experience with MRP/ERP systems for inventory transactions, planning, and production support.

+ Demonstrated ability to drive inventory accuracy through cycle counting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

+ Experience with physical inventories, warehouse operations, and inventory control procedures.

+ Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyze, interpret, and present data clearly.

+ Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and continuous improvement.

+ Proven leadership and team development capabilities in a manufacturing or logistics environment.

+ Effective communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.

+ Experience supporting production support and line-side material flow in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

+ Knowledge of safety practices related to materials handling, warehousing, and logistics.

+ Demonstrated ability to manage logistics and material flow to ensure uninterrupted production operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

+ Experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.

+ Background with Tier 1 supplier operations and requirements.

+ Familiarity with Just-In-Time (JIT) production environments and line-side delivery processes.

+ Experience with SAP, MGO, or other ERP/MRP platforms.

+ Exposure to inventory optimization and lean manufacturing initiatives.

+ Experience in production management or production supervision.

+ Track record of leading process improvement projects, including Six Sigma or similar methodologies.

+ Strong understanding of material flow, logistics, and supply chain support.

+ Ability to establish and manage KPIs related to inventory, delivery performance, and warehouse efficiency.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers the chance to play a critical role in a high-performance automotive manufacturing environment where operational excellence and continuous improvement are highly valued. You will work cross-functionally with production, operations, supply chain, and quality teams, gaining broad exposure to the business and influencing key decisions. The organization promotes a culture of safety, collaboration, and data-driven problem solving, providing room to implement your ideas, develop your leadership skills, and grow your career in materials and supply chain management.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing facility in the Kansas City Metro Area, supporting high-volume production operations. You will work closely with warehouse, production, logistics, and supply chain teams in a hands-on environment that emphasizes safety, accuracy, and efficiency. The position requires regular interaction with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or similar platforms, as well as frequent use of advanced Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting. Work involves overseeing warehouse layout, material handling, shipping and receiving, and line-side delivery processes, with a focus on maintaining smooth material flow and uninterrupted production.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Kansas City, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 – $130000.00/yr.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary, bonus opportunity, comprehensive benefits package, paid time off, and long-term career growth potential.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kansas City,KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 26, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, nat