Pine Bluff, AR, US, 71602
Job Title: Manager, Materials
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Materials Manager to lead procurement, inventory, and supply chain operations within an industrial ink manufacturing plant. This role is responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of raw materials—such as pigments, resins, solvents, and additives—to support batch production processes and meet customer demand. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in plant-based materials management, including chemical sourcing, inventory control, and production support. Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle EBS is essential, along with expertise in MRP, regulatory compliance, and supplier management. This position is critical to maintaining production efficiency, product quality, and cost control in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Duties:
- Develop and execute procurement and materials strategies to support batch manufacturing of industrial inks and coatings.
- Source and manage suppliers of key raw materials, including pigments, resins, solvents, and specialty additives.
- Oversee purchasing operations, including purchase order management, contract negotiation, and supplier performance tracking.
- Partner with production, R&D, and quality teams to forecast material requirements and support production schedules using MRP systems.
- Ensure consistent availability of critical materials while managing lead times, shelf-life constraints, and hazardous material considerations.
- Negotiate contracts to secure cost-effective pricing and reliable supply for both domestic and global vendors.
- Manage plant inventory, including bulk storage, controlled substances, and lot traceability for quality and regulatory compliance.
- Lead cycle counts and inventory accuracy initiatives to minimize discrepancies, waste, and obsolete materials.
- Coordinate inbound logistics, including transportation of hazardous materials in compliance with DOT and environmental regulations.
- Drive continuous improvement in warehouse operations, material handling, and inventory turns.
- Monitor KPIs such as on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, material shortages, and supplier performance.
- Support new product introductions by coordinating raw material sourcing and ensuring supply readiness.
- Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA, SDS management).
Requirements:
- Proven experience in materials management within a chemical, coatings, inks, or related manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle EBS) with hands-on MRP and inventory management experience.
- Expertise in sourcing chemical raw materials and managing supplier relationships in a regulated environment.
- Solid understanding of batch manufacturing, material shelf-life, lot traceability, and hazardous material handling.
- Experience with regulatory compliance related to chemical manufacturing (OSHA, EPA, DOT).
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills, particularly in managing supply risk and cost control.
- Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration with production, R&D, quality, and EHS teams.
- Effective communication skills with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Business, or a related field; APICS/CPIM or CPSM certification preferred.
Why Join Flint Group?
We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards, including:
· Paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
· Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
· Short-term and long-term disability benefits
· Competitive 401(k) plan with company match
· Company-paid life insurance
Join a global organization that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, where your work directly impacts customer success.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Flint Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Nearest Major Market: Little Rock
Nearest Secondary Market: Pine Bluff