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

• Oversee and optimize inventory levels to ensure material availability while minimizing holding costs.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for raw materials and components, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
• Manage and improve supplier relationships and performance through regular evaluations and negotiations.
• Lead demand forecasting and production planning activities to align material flow with manufacturing schedules.
• Direct warehouse operations and logistics for incoming materials, storage, and internal distribution.
• Implement and maintain material management systems (e.g., ERP) to enhance efficiency and data accuracy.
• Monitor and control material costs against budget, identifying opportunities for savings and process improvements.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or operations leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) for inventory control, planning, and procurement.
• Demonstrated success in optimizing inventory levels, improving turns, and implementing lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing a materials or supply chain team.
• Proven ability in strategic sourcing, vendor negotiation, and building robust supplier relationships.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean/Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification
• Proficiency with advanced supply chain analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Experience with international logistics and customs regulations

Job Titles That Should Apply

Materials Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Inventory Control Manager, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager, Warehouse Manager, Materials Planning Manager, Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain & Logistics 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.