We are working with a national food manufacturer seeking a Senior Materials Manager to oversee multiple sites across North America based in the St. Louis, MO market. You will be entrusted with the strategic leadership and direction of our materials management functions across all plants. Your role will encompass devising overarching strategies, fostering collaboration among site teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to elevate our materials management practices to new heights of excellence. This position requires some travel up to 20%. The ideal candidate must have experience overseeing materials management throughout multiple facilities.

Responsibilities

- Develop and execute comprehensive materials management strategies aligned with corporate objectives, ensuring synergy with production schedules and market dynamics.

- Collaborate closely with executive leadership to set strategic goals, performance metrics, and long-term initiatives for materials management across all sites.

- Provide strategic guidance and oversight to materials management teams at each site, promoting a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and alignment with organizational objectives.

- Conduct periodic strategic reviews and performance evaluations, identifying opportunities for standardization, optimization, and innovation across sites.

- Spearhead initiatives to optimize inventory levels and distribution networks, leveraging data analytics, demand forecasting, and advanced inventory management techniques.

- Champion initiatives to reduce excess inventory, minimize stockouts, and enhance inventory turnover ratios, aligning inventory management practices with lean principles and customer demand patterns.

- Lead strategic supplier relationship management efforts, cultivating strong partnerships and fostering collaboration to drive mutual value creation and innovation.

- Implement strategic sourcing strategies, negotiate favorable contracts, and proactively manage supplier performance to ensure reliability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the materials management function, championing the adoption of lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and automation technologies.

- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance operational efficiency, and optimize resource allocation throughout the materials supply chain.

- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and corporate policies pertaining to materials management, mitigating risks associated with supply chain disruptions and geopolitical factors.

- Develop robust contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard materials availability and minimize operational disruptions.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.

• Extensive experience (7-10 years) in strategic materials management, supply chain optimization, or procurement leadership roles, preferably within a multi-site environment.

• Proven track record of strategic thinking, with the ability to develop and execute complex materials management strategies aligned with organizational objectives.

• Strong analytical acumen, with proficiency in data-driven decision-making, performance measurement, and process optimization.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and inspire teams across diverse locations.

• Strategic mindset coupled with a results-driven approach, focused on achieving tangible business outcomes and driving continuous improvement within the materials management function.