Position Overview

Our Client is seeking an experienced Director of Materials Management to lead and optimize all aspects of materials planning, inventory management, purchasing, warehousing, and supply planning for a complex manufacturing operation in Greenwood, Mississippi. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring material availability, driving inventory optimization, improving planning processes, and developing a high-performing team that supports operational excellence across the facility.

The ideal candidate is a proven manufacturing leader with extensive experience managing end-to-end material flow, overseeing cross-functional teams, and implementing process improvements in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all materials management functions including production planning, inventory control, purchasing, scheduling, warehousing, and logistics coordination.
• Develop and execute materials strategies that support operational goals, customer service levels, and production requirements.
• Ensure uninterrupted material supply while maintaining optimal inventory levels and minimizing working capital.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, forecast alignment, planning effectiveness, and supplier performance.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support business objectives.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement reporting metrics to monitor inventory turns, material shortages, service levels, supplier performance, and planning effectiveness.
• Manage and develop a team of materials professionals, planners, buyers, and inventory specialists.
• Lead Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and demand planning activities to improve forecast accuracy and operational execution.
• Partner with suppliers to strengthen relationships, improve delivery performance, and reduce supply chain risks.
• Ensure effective utilization of ERP/MRP systems to support planning, procurement, inventory management, and reporting functions.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through process improvements, supplier management, and inventory optimization initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8-10+ years of experience in materials management, production planning, purchasing, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams of 5 or more direct reports.
• Experience within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, production planning, procurement, forecasting, and material flow processes.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives and driving operational efficiencies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• APICS certifications such as CPIM or CSCP.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Multi-site manufacturing experience.
• Experience leading S&OP processes and inventory optimization initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Strategic leader with a hands-on management style.
• Proven ability to drive accountability and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance inventory, customer service, and operational requirements.
• Change agent capable of implementing best practices and improving supply chain performance.
• Results-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.