Materials Manager of Product Lifecycle

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The Materials Manager of Product Lifecycle is responsible for developing and implementing product lifecycle functions including material requirements, planning systems and work-in-process tracking. This role ensures the efficient coordination of new product development and phase out timelines, material availability, freight cost, and inventory management while optimizing lifecycle processes. This role leads through the servant leadership model by establishing expectations, coaching, and developing direct reports, and creating an empowered environment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

The Materials Manager of Product Lifecycle reports directly to the Director of Global Supply Planning. This position has 2 direct reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and execute product lifecycle strategies to meet both short-term and long-term business objectives.
• Lead and mentor the product lifecycle team, ensuring optimal performance, training, and professional development.
• Collaborate with senior management to align product lifecycle goals with organizational targets and ensure efficient resource utilization.

• Coordinate the material requirements, purchase orders, and inventory plans to support all new product development production schedules, ensuring that they are realistic, achievable, and in line with product launch objectives.
• Oversee the creation and execution of phase out material planning activities to minimize inventory impact due to obsolescence and align financial objectives.

• Control and Optimize inventory levels connected with new product launch and product discontinuation and collaborate to optimize inventory levels, balancing demand and MOQs to minimize costs while ensuring adequate stock for production plans.
• Monitor excess and obsolete to maintain continuity in end-of-life process management.

• Work closely with master scheduling, procurement, and production control to ensure timely delivery of material execution.
• Ensure that lead times and delivery schedules are met and adjusted as necessary to address potential bottlenecks or supply chain issues.

• Analyze material flow, identify inefficiencies, and implement process improvements to increase productivity, reduce waste, and enhance on time to launch.
• Continuously monitor and refine product lifecycle processes to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (SMART KPIs) to assess performance, such as lead time adherence, vendor OTIF, E&O inventory turn and on time to launch.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management regarding material plans, inventory levels, and potential risks or delays.

• Identify and mitigate risks related to launch plans, supply chain disruptions, or vendor delays.
• Proactively implement contingency plans to minimize the impact of potential disruptions on delivery timelines.

• Maintain open and effective communication with various departments, including Master Scheduling Purchasing, Production Control, Engineering, Quality Assurance, to ensure alignment of activities with business goals.
• Liaise with external stakeholders as needed, including suppliers, to ensure production requirements are met.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Establish SMART goals and team cadence to understand current state and close performance gaps
2. Provide leadership that allows for team success through a clear vision, coaching, and mentoring
3. Ensure team develops critical skills and identify growth opportunities that support their career goals
4. Coach and develop direct reports on continuous improvement practices and principles

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field of study required or comparable experience in an operations environment
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, + 3 years of leading a team
• Advanced knowledge of ERP systems and extensive understanding of Material Requirements Planning is required (Microsoft D365 preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and inspire change and continuous improvements
• Proven track record to develop and implement processes and standard work that stabilize material flow
• Demonstrated high proficiency of computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Must understand and embrace the Wahl Way guided principles

Current Openings for Materials Manager of Product Lifecycle Jobs at Wahl Clipper Corporation