Material Manager Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

The Materials Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all materials planning, inventory control, and supply chain execution activities. This role ensures material availability to support production while driving inventory optimization, supplier performance, and cross-functional alignment. The Materials Manager provides strategic direction, oversees ERP data integrity, and leads continuous improvement initiatives across the materials function.

Position Responsibilities:

• Review customer orders and ensure material availability to meet production and delivery requirements.
• Maintain accurate bills of material and ERP system data in coordination with engineering.
• Create and manage work orders to support production plans.
• Develop and maintain production schedules aligned with business unit objectives.
• Coordinate with purchasing, manufacturing, and engineering to resolve shortages, quality issues, and NPI challenges.
• Monitor and control inventory levels and investigate discrepancies.
• Ensure proper execution of inventory transactions including backflushing and reporting.
• Collaborate with quality teams to reduce inventory variance.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle counting programs.
• Manage procurement activities for MRO and new product development materials when required.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and support sourcing activities.
• Analyze material usage and recommend standard changes as needed.
• Provide leadership and direct supervision to materials, planning, and inventory control teams, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Own and drive Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to align demand, supply, and capacity.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including inventory turns, service levels, and forecast accuracy.
• Develop and execute materials strategies focused on cost reduction, inventory optimization, and risk mitigation.
• Lead supplier risk management, escalation processes, and continuity planning.
• Partner with finance to manage inventory budgets, working capital, and excess/obsolete inventory reduction.
• Ensure ERP governance, data integrity, and standardization of materials processes.
• Drive lean materials initiatives including Kanban, pull systems, and waste reduction.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration for successful new product introductions at scale.
• Support and influence strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, audits, and regulatory standards.
• Standardize processes across business units and build organizational capability within the materials function.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in materials planning, supply chain, or manufacturing operations for the Power Electronics sector.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience required.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (Epicor CMS preferred).
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

The base pay hiring rate expected for this position is: $70,600 - $95,000 USD annually.

Benefits and Perks:

Methode offers US employees Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life & Disability insurance, a wellness program, and time off benefits.

Voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Pet Insurance.

Methode provides an Employee Assistance Program, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan which includes a company contribution.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics per the EEO Poster available here . If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@methode.com or call (708) 867-6777 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.