Materials Manager - Fenton, MO

The Manager, Materials and Planning is responsible for leading all materials, demand, and production planning activities to ensure the timely availability of materials in support of production and customer demand. This role provides end-to-end ownership of planning processes, aligning demand, supply, and capacity to meet business objectives. This leader will directly manage demand planners and production planners, ensuring integrated planning processes that drive forecast accuracy, optimized inventory levels, and efficient production execution. The role plays a critical part in aligning supply chain execution with operational and business objectives, driving both service excellence and cost performance. The Manager will partner cross-functionally with Production, Operations, Sales, and Purchasing to ensure synchronization between demand signals, supply plans, and manufacturing capacity. This position has accountability for inventory strategy, demand forecasting, planning system effectiveness, and mitigation of supply chain risks. The ideal candidate will bring strong operational leadership in integrated planning (S&OP / IBP), materials management, and continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, improve material flow, and support overall site performance. A Day In The Life

Leadership & People Management

Lead, develop, and coach a team of demand, production, and materials planners. Establish clear roles, performance expectations, and development plans. Drive accountability for forecast accuracy, schedule attainment, inventory performance, and customer service.

Demand, Supply & Production Planning

Own the demand planning process, including forecast development, review, and alignment with Sales and business leaders. Translate demand forecasts into production and material plans. Lead alignment of demand, supply, capacity, and inventory through structured planning processes (S&OP/IBP).

Materials & Inventory Management

Direct materials planning activities to support production schedules, customer demand, and business priorities. Coordinate with Purchasing, Operations, Production, and Sales to ensure material availability and supply continuity. Develop inventory strategies including safety stock policies, inventory optimization, and excess/obsolete inventory reduction. Balance inventory investment with service level and operational performance objectives.

Execution & Operational Support

Lead resolution of material shortages, supply disruptions, and expedited requirements. Proactively identify supply, capacity, and inventory risks and implement mitigation plans. Ensure timely response to issues impacting production schedules or customer commitments.

Performance & Analytics

Monitor and improve key metrics including forecast accuracy, inventory turns, on-time delivery, schedule attainment, backlog, and past-due orders. Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to support business decisions.

Continuous Improvement & Systems

Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning, inventory, and materials management processes. Enhance planning capabilities through effective use of ERP/MRP systems and tools. Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and process standardization efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Serve as the key link between commercial and operational teams, ensuring alignment of customer demand, supply capabilities, and business objectives.

What will help you thrive in this role?

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field 8-10 years' proven experience in demand planning, production planning, and materials management 3-5 years' experience leading and managing planners Strong understanding of S&OP / IBP Knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and forecasting Ability to balance service, inventory, and cost Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Experience managing supply disruptions and