The Materials Manager is responsible for all purchasing and production planning for the Systems Manufacturing plant.  This includes sourcing, negotiating prices, vendor selection and certification including international purchasing.  Responsible for production planning, both long and short term and for warehousing and shipping operations and for all systems related to materials and for inventory management.  Hires and supervises planners, buyers and warehouse personnel. Ensures that ERP systems are used optimally for purchasing and planning.

This is an onsite position and does not offer remote work.

• Supervise and develop a team of warehouse personnel, buyers, planners, and production controllers.
• Oversee all purchasing activities, including sourcing, price negotiation, and vendor selection, with a focus on both domestic and international suppliers.
• Lead production planning, ensuring on-time in-full delivery of low volume, high complexity irrigation pump stations.
• Manage warehousing, shipping, VMI, and kanban to optimize material flow, meet production schedules, and maximize inventory turns.
• Operate within ERP systems for purchasing, production planning, and inventory management.
• Translate SIOP forecasts and market outlooks into actionable strategies for safety stock, inventory management, and staffing. These strategies should aim to minimize inventory levels, reduce lead times, and deliver greater gross margin.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, finance, quality, and other departments to align materials management with the overall business objectives.
• Implement process improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, decrease lead times, and improve inventory accuracy.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers, ensuring high quality and reliability of materials.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to meet production needs while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, particularly in purchasing and logistics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field from an accredited university.         
• Minimum of 5 years of Supply Chain or Materials Management experience.
• Proficient in ERP and MRP systems with a focus on purchasing, planning, and inventory management modules.
• Experience with international purchasing and global supply chain management.
• Ability to train and develop others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills
• Effective in leadership and team management with strong communication and collaboration skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate studies in Business or supply chain management.
• APICS certification.
• Bilingual English Spanish.

Rain Bird is an Equal Opportunity Employer.