Job Title: Materials ManagerJob DescriptionAs a Materials Manager, you will lead all materials functions, including purchasing, procurement, inventory control, material planning, warehousing, and shipping/receiving. Your role is pivotal in ensuring material availability supports production schedules, customer commitments, and operational objectives. You will drive inventory accuracy, inventory turns, working capital improvements, and reduction of excess and obsolete inventory. Developing and maintaining strong supplier relationships focused on quality, cost, delivery performance, and continuity of supply is crucial. You will utilize ERP/MRP systems and data analytics to manage material requirements, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement. Monitoring and improving key performance indicators such as inventory accuracy, supplier performance, material costs, shortages, freight expense, and on-time delivery will be part of your responsibilities. Additionally, you will partner closely with Operations, Production, Sales, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to align materials strategies with business goals. Leading and developing materials personnel through accountability, coaching, and performance management is expected. You will establish standardized processes and best practices that can be implemented across multiple locations. Supporting strategic initiatives related to forecasting, budgeting, risk management, organizational development, and long-term operational growth is also part of your role. This position requires demonstrating the leadership, business acumen, and strategic thinking necessary to assume the Director of Materials role within 2-3 years.Responsibilities
- Lead all materials functions, including purchasing, procurement, inventory control, material planning, warehousing, and shipping/receiving.
- Ensure material availability supports production schedules, customer commitments, and operational objectives.
- Drive inventory accuracy, inventory turns, working capital improvements, and reduction of excess and obsolete inventory.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships focused on quality, cost, delivery performance, and continuity of supply.
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems and data analytics to manage material requirements, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement.
- Monitor and improve key performance indicators including inventory accuracy, supplier performance, material costs, shortages, freight expense, and on-time delivery.
- Partner closely with Operations, Production, Sales, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to align materials strategies with business goals.
- Lead and develop materials personnel through accountability, coaching, and performance management.
- Establish standardized processes and best practices that can be implemented across multiple locations.
- Support strategic initiatives related to forecasting, budgeting, risk management, organizational development, and long-term operational growth.
- Demonstrate the leadership, business acumen, and strategic thinking necessary to assume the Director of Materials role within 2-3 years.
Essential Skills
- 7+ years of progressive experience in Materials Management, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Inventory Control, Production Planning, or related functions within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience supervising teams within purchasing, inventory control, warehouse, shipping/receiving, material planning, or related materials functions.
- Strong manufacturing experience with preference given to candidates from: Sheet Metal Fabrication, Contract Manufacturing, Metalworking, Industrial Manufacturing.
- Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems to manage materials operations.
- Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, solve problems, and implement process improvements.
- Strong understanding of supplier management, inventory control, material planning, and production support.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Supply chain management
- Production planning
- Logistics
- Data analysis
- Forecasting
- Strong reporting skills
- Experience with SAP and ERP systems
Why Work Here?Join a dynamic and forward-thinking organization where your expertise will be valued and you will have the opportunity to grow into leadership roles. We emphasize a collaborative work environment, support professional development, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, making this a rewarding place to advance your career.Work EnvironmentThis position is set in a manufacturing environment utilizing advanced ERP/MRP systems and data analytics. You will work closely with various departments, including Operations, Production, Sales, Quality, Engineering, and Finance, to ensure alignment of materials strategies with business goals. The role may require occasional travel to multiple locations to implement standardized processes and best practices. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Des Plaines, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $120000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Des Plaines, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Des Plaines,IL.
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, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.