Material Manager​/Supply Chain - Automobile Industry

Materials Manager – Automotive Manufacturing

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee (Onsite)
Industry: Automotive / Tier-1 / Manufacturing
Compensation: Competitive (based on experience)
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Plant Manager

A confidential automotive manufacturer in the Chattanooga, TN region is seeking a strong Materials Manager to lead end-to-end materials operations, including scheduling, inventory, warehousing, shipping/receiving, and departmental leadership. This role is a key member of the plant management team
, supporting production flow, operational excellence, and customer demand fulfillment in a fast‑paced automotive environment.

• Serve as a core member of the plant leadership team
  , contributing to operational planning, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement.

• Lead and supervise the materials department
  , which may include office/reception, logistics, and HS&E support functions.

• Manage all materials functions
  , including production scheduling, inventory control, and maintenance of optimal raw material and finished goods levels.

• Oversee warehousing, shipping, and receiving to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and safety.

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• Analyze and interpret customer releases
  , ensuring accurate demand planning in a Just‑In‑Time (JIT) automotive environment.

• Execute MRP runs
  , generate vendor releases, and ensure timely procurement and replenishment.

• Optimize freight, logistics, and transportation costs while maintaining service levels.

• Maintain ERP system data accuracy and act as primary liaison with IT for materials and scheduling systems.

• Manage the department operating budget
  , ensuring alignment with plant and corporate goals.

• Drive and enforce safe work practices across all materials functions.

• Provide backup support for receiving and related areas when needed.

• Strong background in automotive or Tier‑1 manufacturing materials management
  , including scheduling, purchasing, warehousing, logistics, and inventory control.

• Expertise in ERP/MRP systems
  , including AS400 or comparable platforms.

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to influence across departments.

• Strong analytical abilities; capable of interpreting complex documents, responding to sensitive issues, and presenting recommendations to executive leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high‑volume, JIT automotive environment
  .

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering
  , or related field preferred.

• Equivalent experience may be considered.

• Primarily office‑based; frequent sitting with occasional standing, walking, reaching, or lifting (10–25 lbs).

• Requires close vision for document and system work.

• Meet annual performance objectives.

• Improve material flow efficiency, inventory accuracy, and cost structure.

• Demonstrate leadership effectiveness and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Training aligned with plant and manufacturing standards; provided upon hire.

This search is being conducted confidentially.
Please send your resume directly to:

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