Materials Manager

Job Description

Since 1921, Neapco has been a leading supplier of innovative driveline solutions to original equipment manufacturers and the global automotive industry. Neapco designs, manufactures, and distributes high quality, cost-effective OEM and aftermarket driveline products for automotive, light truck, heavy truck, off-road, off-highway, agriculture, and industrial applications. Recognized by Crain’s List in recent years, including Crain’s Fast 50 in 2020 and Crain’s Private 200 in 2021, and honored with multiple Supplier Quality Awards, Neapco’s agile, passionate, and diverse approach fuels a relentless focus on establishing, maintaining, and strengthening enduring professional partnerships.

As we move forward into our new century, Neapco continues our long tradition of quality and excellence by placing team members first, from safety and personal enrichment to professional development!

Neapco is seeking a results-driven individual to join our team as a Materials Manager. The Materials Manager will be responsible for Material and Production Planning, as well as the Inventory Management team. The Materials Manager must have the ability to assess and determine the amount and type of materials and products to hold within the supply chain, including managing production planning, inventory control, and developing/implementing replenishment plans. This position will report to the Plant Manager and is based at our Components location in Beatrice, Nebraska. It is extremely important this team member be aligned with Neapco’s Core Values of Partnership, Passion, Agility, Teamwork, Integrity, and Diversity and Neapco’s Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility goals and objectives. Compensation dependent upon qualifications.

Job Description: Materials Manager

Key Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for all material and production planning, including inventory management activities within the facility

Create and implement best practice material planning and inventory management vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures, to aid and improve operational performance

Review opportunities to improve operational and financial performance, and ensure minimal operational disruption and maximum customer satisfaction

Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process

Manage and update material and production planning and inventory management policies, procedures, guidelines, and all associated documents

Oversee and manage inventory integrity and identify opportunities to reduce inventory levels

Ensure IT systems in place are effective, accurate, and maintained; review opportunities to standardize and streamline IT systems utilizing current or new systems

Ensure plans, schedules, and performance metrics are accurate and readily available for timely reporting to all appropriate business partners

Provide leadership to Materials department; coach and develop direct reports and manage high performing teams that deliver continuous improvement, added value, and cost reductions

Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance

Ensure all functions within scope of responsibility operate in accordance with health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all team members and visitors

Complete performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues, and procedures as appropriate

Establish strategy and best practices for staff to ensure achievement of overall business objectives

Partner with the senior management team to translate strategy into specific annual performance goals and departmental objectives, which include the development and tracking of KPIs

Prepare the annual material/production planning and inventory budget and forecasts, as well as ensure compliance with customer and legal requirements; manage the budget from identification to completion of projects

Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partnering with stakeholders to ensure material/production planning and inventory management objectives are being met

Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on material/production planning and inventory management activities

Ensure performance of suppliers, logistics partners, transportation companies and identify and implement improvements and cost savings where possible

Ensure on time, high quality delivery to all customers

Maintain excellent relationships with customers and monitor performance and progress of deliveries to ensure customer satisfaction while optimizing costs

Review environmental strategies that impact future ways of operating and implement key strategies when and where possible

Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills

Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in a key leadership/management role within a manufacturing facility, automotive/aftermarket manufacturing experience required

Previous experience of leading material/production planning and inventory management within an automotive or manufacturing environment, with expert knowledge and understanding of automotive processes, components, and supply chain management in an aftermarket and OE environment

Expert knowledge of technical regulations and legislation related to field

Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to optimize team performance and development

Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage, negotiate, and manage key stakeholders, customers, and external providers

Proven analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills

Advanced Excel experience required

Knowledge of raw materials, distribution of goods, and manufacturing processes

Knowledge of lean techniques

Strong business acumen, preferably withing management principles, strategic planning, critical thinking, budgeting, resource allocation, and human resources

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, or related discipline, or a combination of education and experience

Lean Certification preferred

Six Sigma Greenbelt/Blackbelt preferred

APICS Certification preferred

Neapco recognizes that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, drug-free workplace fostering respect and ethical treatment. Unlawful discrimination in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, ethnic/national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, or any similar protected status is strictly prohibited. In return for their expertise and shared commitment to our goals, we offer our team members competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

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Standard work hours for this position are 7:00am - 4:00pm; must be flexible on work schedule due to production demands.

Full-time