Material Control Manager Jobs in Thornton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Join our Leadership Team as a Production Control Manager!

The Role:

We're seeking an accomplished and visionary Production Control Manager who brings energy, decisiveness, and expertise to the table. In this role, you'll be leading all production planning, scheduling, inventory control, and material coordination activities to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations. This role ensures alignment between customer demand, production capacity, supplier performance, and inventory strategy while supporting Toyota Production System (TPS) principles and continuous improvement initiatives. You'll bring forward-thinking ideas, a solutions-oriented mindset, and a commitment to excellence, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Create and manage production schedules based on customer demand and plant capacity.
• Monitor daily production performance and adjust plans to reduce downtime and shortages.
• Work closely with manufacturing, logistics, warehouse, procurement, and suppliers to ensure smooth operations and material flow.
• Oversee inventory levels and accuracy to support uninterrupted production while minimizing excess inventory.
• Lead planning meetings and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Help resolve supply chain disruptions and support supplier performance improvements.
• Promote lean manufacturing and TPS principles, including JIT, Kanban, and process improvement activities.
• Use problem-solving tools such as A3, 5 Why, and PDCA to improve operational performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop production planning and material control team members.
• Foster a culture focused on teamwork, accountability, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Track operational metrics, prepare reports for leadership, and support business planning activities.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in production planning, materials management, or supply chain operations in manufacturing.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing and lean/TPS environments strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred), production scheduling, and inventory control.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

What Sets You Apart:

• Experience in production planning, materials management, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Leadership experience with the ability to coach and develop teams.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred), production scheduling, and inventory control.

Where and When You'll Work:

• This is an in-person role located at our East Chicago, IN office-ideal for those who thrive in a hands-on, team-oriented environment.

What Your Total Compensation & Benefits Package will look like:

Salary- $94,020 - $120,537per year.

World Class Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Performance Bonus
• Generous Paid Time Off and 13 Paid Holidays
• Affordable Medical plans and no-cost Dental & Vision options
• 100% 401k match up to 6%
• Company paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with access to mental health care, legal support, and financial guidance
• Recognition and Kaizen (continuous improvement) Reward Programs
• Meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development
• Best in class work culture!

Big Name | Big Opportunities | Life is Better at Toyota

Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, comprises two main brands: Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation. We believe investing in the best people, products, and processes will fuel our future success, and we will always be driven by our foundational principles of "respect for people" and "continuous improvement". With opportunities across North America, we are confident you will find the right position within TMHNA that can help you build a long, fulfilling career.

Learn more here: https://www.toyotaforklift.com/toyota-heavy-duty-careers

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