Materials Manager

JOB TITLE

Materials Manager

DEPARTMENT

Operations

JOB CODES

Exempt

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB AND OBJECTIVES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading the planning team in designing, executing, and continuously improving material flow across the supply chain—from raw material receipt through production to finished goods distribution. This role leads the transition from push-based to pull-based replenishment systems, ensuring the right materials are available at the right time and place to support operational efficiency, product availability, and customer satisfaction. The position partners cross-functionally to optimize inventory, reduce waste, and align material replenishment, supporting financial and service level objectives in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

POSITION IN ORGANISATION

Position in organisation can be found on the Organisational Chart via the company intranet.

KEY DUTIES

• Lead the transition from push-based material planning to pull-based replenishment systems using flexible inventory strategies such as kanban, supermarkets, and point-of-use inventory.

• Design and manage the end-to-end material and transaction flow of the factory to drive simplicity and quality while minimizing inventory and supporting customer demand.

• Oversee finished goods and raw material inventory levels, including supermarket sizing, to ensure uninterrupted production and shipment.

• Partner in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes, contributing inputs on material availability, replenishment signals, and capacity constraints.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and warehousing teams to ensure timely material availability aligned with production schedules, including sterilization workflows and purchase orders.

• Maintain accurate SAP master data related to material masters, BOMs, routings, and kanban loops to support real-time inventory management and planning accuracy.

• Coordinate the phase-in of new products and phase-out of obsolete materials, ensuring seamless transitions and minimal material obsolescence.

• Drive continuous improvement in material handling, replenishment processes, and inventory control practices using lean methodologies.

• Generate and manage reports related to material status, inventory turns, stockouts, supplier performance, and flow efficiency metrics.

• Actively participate in cross-functional teams across Regulatory, Operations, Quality, Sales, and Finance, aligning material planning with business objectives.

• Support ERP upgrades or enhancements, particularly those related to material management, supply planning, or inventory control functionality.

• Ensure compliance with quality system regulations (21 CFR 820, ISO 13485) for all areas related to materials management.

• Provide coaching and leadership to warehouse and planning associates.

• Perform additional tasks as assigned in support of supply chain and operational excellence objectives.

Competencies:

Applies Business Understanding

• Proven leadership in materials planning, scheduling, and inventory control
• Proven lean practitioner with real-world/practical experience
• Strong knowledge of QMS requirements, including 21 CFR 820 and ISO 13485

Communicates Effectively

• Skilled in cross-functional communication, with a proven ability to influence across all levels of the organization
• Prepares and delivers clear, data-driven presentations to executive leadership
• Demonstrates strong organizational presence and confidence in communications

 Demonstrates Customer Focus

• Leads with an understanding of how materials management supports both internal stakeholders and external customers
• Use key performance indicators as primary means of aligning business to customer requirements

Develops Self and Others

• Recognized subject matter expert in lean materials management
• Serves as the primary mentor and coach to junior planners, material handlers, and supply chain team members

Drives Improvement, Innovation, and Change

• Champions innovative approaches to materials flow and replenishment
• Leads the organization through lean transformation and change management initiatives

Takes Accountability for Results

• Drives execution on strategic initiatives and daily management (SQDC) objectives.
• Sets clear objectives and timelines and ensures accountability to meet targets. Problem solves gaps to standards.

Teamwork to Achieve a Common Goal

• Effective team leader and collaborator, able to bring together cross-functional teams to solve problems and improve performance
• Builds a culture of shared ownership and continuous improvement

DIMENSIONS & LIMITS OF AUTHORITY

COMPANY

REQUIREMENTS

1. 1. Must refer to relevant company handbook/policy statements detailing company procedures regarding employee conditions and benefits.
   2. Authorisation of purchase orders is given in Authorisation of Limits produced by Finance Department

QUALITY

REQUIREMENTS

1. Ensure compliance with all quality systems regulatory requirements such as, but not limited to, ISO 13485, 21 CFR Part 820, MDSAP, MDD (93/42/EEC) and MDR (EU 2017/745)
2.  

EH&S REQUIREMENTS

1. Create a safety culture and safe working environment.
2. Ensure compliance with all Environmental Health and Safety regulatory requirements.
3. Provide recourse to meet Environmental Health and Safety goals.
4. Maintain defined organisation Environmental Health and Safety competencies.
5. Ensure related Risk Assessments are completed, accidents raised and action hazards.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Knowledge & Experience Required for the Position:

• Bachelors degree required, Preferred areas of study: Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering
• Masters degree preferred (MBA, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field)
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification preferred
• 3–5 years of materials management, supply planning, or inventory control experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5 years of experience in the medical device industry or related regulated industry (e.g., pharma, aerospace, automotive)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to clearly articulate material strategies across functions
• Leadership experience with demonstrated ability to coach and develop people.
• Working knowledge of FDA/ISO regulations (e.g., 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially related to inventory, supply chain, and material availability
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ERP systems (SAP strongly preferred), and reporting tools
• Creative thinker; able to lead problem-solving on complex and ambiguous problems.
• Office and clean room manufacturing environment.