Director of Materials

Relate Search has partnered with a well-known, global Electronics Manufacturer to add an outstanding Materials Director. The Materials Director reports directly to the COO and will lead company-wide initiatives and strategies for supply chain programs, materials management, supplier assessment, cost reduction and multiple large-scale projects impacting all company locations.

Job Summary

Oversee and enhance the external supply base according to Supply Chain standards and policies. Set and uphold supplier performance criteria, including quality, reliability, cost, delivery, and responsiveness, to continually improve the supply chain. Collaborate with staff to ensure the effective execution of the Supplier Management plan.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Implementation:

- Develop and implement comprehensive supply chain plans and programs.

- Create business strategies aimed at supply chain consolidation, cost reduction, quality improvement, and supplier assessment.

Supplier Management:

- Oversee supplier activities to ensure appropriate selection, startup, production ramp, and adherence to procedures like first articles, packing definition, quality definition, and print quality.

- Support Lean Manufacturing concepts and initiatives with manufacturing partners.

- Negotiate and procure contracts and services based on long-term volume planning, addressing conflicts or questions regarding prices, deliveries, and specifications.

- Monitor supplier performance and establish quantifiable metrics/requirements.

Operational Efficiency:

- Set goals and implement action plans to support the business-level vision.

- Prepare and issue reports to monitor the effectiveness of material replenishment systems operations.

- Ensure alignment between external and internal partners to meet cost and schedule goals.

- Minimize inventory throughout the supply chain while optimizing product availability.

Information and Analysis:

- Provide external commodity supply base information critical for make/buy analysis, estimating, and commodity cost management.

- Manage purchase order placement and ensure minimized buyer-to-purchase order cycle time.

Product and Process Management:

- Drive new product introduction planning and manage associated supplied product obsolescence and change activities.

- Advise management of production-impacting issues and coordinate appropriate corrective actions as necessary.

- Ensure ISO compliance for all materials management processes.

- Participate in business enterprise system changes to enhance planning, supplier management, and order execution while minimizing plant inventory.

- Document and review supplier assessments with key suppliers.

Relationship with Other Departments

Maintain daily working relationships with Operations, Program Management, and team members. As a member of the Senior Leadership team, the Materials Director will collaborate with peers at various organizational levels.

Education and Experience Requirements

- Bachelor’s (BA/BS) degree in Business with a concentration in Finance, Logistics, Operations, or a related discipline.

- CSPM or CPIM certification preferred.

- Eight years of experience in materials management and procurement, with broad exposure to purchasing, materials management and planning, production, and commodity management.

- Minimum of two years of supervisory/leadership experience.

- Experience in Lean Manufacturing, supply chain pull systems, and JIT.

- Experience in contract manufacturing, EMS, or Aerospace and Defense.

- Knowledge of ISO standards and AS9100.