Lot Operations Manager Jobs in Lockport, IL (NOW HIRING)

ROLE PURPOSE / POSITION SUMMARY

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading materials planning, inventory management, warehouse coordination, and item master data management to support customer service, operational efficiency, and inventory performance. This role partners closely with Operations, Procurement, Commercialization, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to ensure material availability, inventory accuracy, and successful execution of customer programs.

The Materials Manager leads the Supply Chain Planning team by establishing priorities, coordinating resources, monitoring performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that improve service levels, inventory control, and cost performance.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Materials Planning & Inventory Management

• Lead material planning activities to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Oversee new item setup, sourcing activities, item master maintenance, and MRP configuration.
• Ensure accuracy of Bills of Material (BOMs), routing data, lot controls, and inventory master records.
• Maintain planning parameters including safety stock levels, MOQs, lead times, and ordering profiles.
• Monitor forecast changes and coordinate material transitions and implementation activities.

Inventory Control & Warehousing

• Lead inventory control programs focused on inventory accuracy, aging reduction, and working capital improvement. Manage excess, obsolete, inactive, and date-sensitive inventory.
• Coordinate cycle counts, physical inventories, and resolution of inventory discrepancies.
• Oversee material movement and inventory activities across warehouses and storage locations.

Customer, Supplier & Project Support

• Serve as the primary contact for customer material management activities and material change notifications.
• Coordinate material changes, new product launches, and commercialization support activities.
• Manage material shortages and work with suppliers, customers, and internal teams to resolve issues.
• Monitor supplier performance and support corrective actions to improve service and delivery performance.

Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead and develop Supply Chain Planning team members through coaching and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance inventory performance and planning effectiveness.
• Develop, monitor, and report KPIs related to inventory, service levels, material availability, and supplier performance.
• Support inventory reduction and operational excellence initiatives across the business.

QUALIFICATIONS / CAPABILITY PROFILE

Minimum Education

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Logistics, or related field preferred.

Minimum Experience

• 5+ years of experience in materials management, supply chain planning, inventory control, or manufacturing operations.
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.

Minimum Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Strong knowledge of inventory management, MRP systems, warehouse operations, and supply chain processes.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Regular interaction with warehouse, production, and storage facilities.
• Must be able to work in manufacturing areas that may be noisy, warm, cold, or require PPE.
• Ability to participate in physical inventories, cycle counts, and plant meetings.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use standard office equipment throughout the workday.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Apply today and join our rapidly growing team!

- Inc. 5000 #124 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2025)

- Inc. 5000 #10 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #165 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2021)

- Inc. 5000 #1,085 fastest growing company in the USA. (2023)

- Inc. 5000 #622 fastest growing company in the USA. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #479 fastest growing company in the USA. (2021)