Supervisor Materials

The Materials supervisor is responsible for ensuring the effective execution of all materials-related processes within the site, from procurement and inventory control to production support. This role requires hands-on oversight of material flow, supplier coordination, and process optimization to ensure production continuity and operational efficiency.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Materials Supervisor drives day-to-day execution, problem-solving, and process improvements, ensuring accurate inventory levels, and timely material availability. The role emphasizes collaboration, responsiveness, and operational discipline to maintain supply reliability and minimize disruptions. This is a site-specific role reporting to the Supply Chain Manager / Sr. Manager at the production site.

Responsibilities:

Material Planning & Inventory Management

• Lead and execute the site material planning strategies to prevent shortages or excess inventory.
• Own the plant material inventory levels and utilizing inventory control systems to track material flow. 
• Coordinate cycle counts in collaboration with the warehouse and oversee inventory reconciliation to maintain data integrity.
• Track and manage inventory performance metrics (DIOH, accuracy, etc.).
• Support team in issuing and managing purchase orders, adjusting quantities and delivery dates as needed.
• Partner with Global Procurement to monitor and improve supplier performance (quality, delivery reliability).

Master Data Integrity

• Ensuring materials-related master data elements (Material Masters, Bills of Materials, Vendor Masters, Purchasing Info Records, etc.) are accurate to support Materials Planning & Procurement activities, particularly with New Products and Material Changes.

Production Support & Issue Resolution

• Work closely with Production Planning teams to ensure materials are available for scheduled runs.
• Identifying and resolving material-related production issues, collaborating with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance and Engineering site teams, as well as with Global Procurement as needed.
• Managing timely material flow to & from production work centers. 

Cost Control & Process Optimization

• Monitor material costs and seek opportunities for savings through inventory optimization and supplier negotiations.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Apply change management techniques to ensure smooth adoption of material flow improvements.

Reporting & Analytics

• Generate reports on inventory levels, purchasing trends, warehouse utilization, and material costs.
• Identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement through data analysis.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Aligning Materials Management goals with the overall site Supply Chain & Operations Strategy.
• Partnering with Site Quality and Supplier Quality on timely resolution of Materials Quality issues.
• Acting as a bridge between Production Planning/Operations and Global Procurement.
• Facilitating effective communications on Materials-related issues, including timely escalations.
• Participating in and supporting Plant S&OP process.
• X-site coordination in case of supply disruption which affects multiple production sites.

General

• Hiring, coaching, & developing Materials Management personnel for high performance. Assessing, assigning, & realigning job duties as needed. Ensuring succession plans are in place for key roles.
• Support in delivering a Plant Operating Strategy which documents the latest operating agreements across all stakeholders.
• Determining future capabilities needed and enabling people, process, & technology to achieve.
• Supporting the development of annual budget plans and periodic updates.
• Fostering a safe, inclusive, and high engagement working environment.
• Ensuring compliance with corporate and/or industry initiatives in the areas of Regulatory Compliance and Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG).

Essential Functions of the Role**:

• Execution-Focused: Strong ability to manage day-to-day materials flow and operations effectively.
• Problem-Solver: Proactively addresses supply and inventory challenges with hands-on solutions.
• Detail-Oriented: Ensures inventory accuracy and maintains high standards in data integrity.
• Collaborative Team Player: Works closely with production, procurement, and quality teams to support site operations.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses analytics to optimize material availability and purchasing strategies.
• Ability to travel: visit suppliers & other sites; build relationships and collaborate across cultures

Work Experience Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in materials management, inventory control, or procurement within a manufacturing or logistics environment.
• 2+ years of hands-on ERP experience (SAP S/4 HANA preferred) managing material flow and inventory.
• Strong ability to solve operational challenges, with a focus on execution and process discipline.
• Healthcare or medical device industry experience preferred.

Education Requirements

• BS/BA in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or Engineering

Specialized Skills/Technical Knowledge:

• Inventory Management Experience
• Materials Planning & Purchasing Experience
• Supplier Relationship Management Experience
• Supplier Negotiation & Contract Development Experience
• Influencing without Authority
• Collaborating with global colleagues
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• ERP / WMS knowledge required; SAP S4 HANA knowledge preferred

Local Specifications (English and Local Language):

•    English required