Materials Manager
Detroit, MI, US, 48234
Lear For You
We work hard for the people who work for us. We champion our teams. We foster collaboration, inclusion, respect and excellence. What we are trying to say is we want to be more for you.
We are your path to a better career, a better future, and a better you.
Our teams have invented groundbreaking technologies, flawlessly manufactured millions of products and earned a long list of awards. Year after year, we are one of the World's Most Admired Companies.
Our teams are the secret to our success. They are empowered, inventive and inclusive. Passionate about their craft. Driven to succeed. Because we all understand that we must work together to win.
Are you ready for a better career? A better future?
We're Lear For You.
Lear For You
We work hard for the people who work for us. We champion our teams and foster collaboration, inclusion, respect and excellence. Because we want to be more for you.
A path to a better career. A better future.
Our teams have invented groundbreaking technologies, manufactured millions of products and earned a long list of awards. Year after year, we’re named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies.
They’re the secret to our success—empowered, inventive and inclusive. Passionate about their craft. Driven to succeed. Because we win together.
Are you ready for a better career? A better future?
Job Description
MATERIALS MANAGER
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – CONNER PLANT
As a member of the Materials team, the Materials Manager will be responsible for leading end‑to‑end materials and inventory management, optimizing inventory accuracy, ensuring compliant and efficient material flow from customer to supply base, controlling freight costs, and developing a high‑performing materials team aligned with organizational goals.
The Role:
Your work will include, but not be limited to:
Inventory Control & Shop‑Floor Material Management
- Optimize inventory levels and Days on Hand (DOH) using PFEP while minimizing excess and obsolete materials.
- Maintain organized material flow for receiving, storage, and line‑side replenishment.
- Oversee cycle counting to quickly identify and resolve inventory variances.
- Manage engineering changes through cross‑functional coordination and proper system updates.
- Partner with Finance to forecast material costs and month‑end inventory.
- Lead semi‑annual physical inventories with acceptable variance results.
Material Release & Customer/Supplier Communication
- Analyze customer release data to predict and address capacity constraints.
- Manage customer portal communications and release confirmations.
- Communicate release changes to suppliers and verify their ability to meet requirements.
- Maintain complete EDI compliance for inbound and outbound data accuracy.
Compliance & KPI Management
- Ensure adherence to internal audit standards and external requirements (SOX, TS16949, ISO14001).
- Own and report materials KPIs, driving continuous improvement and corrective action plans.
Freight & Logistics Optimization
- Collaborate with Corporate Logistics to execute optimal inbound freight networks and routing.
- Align release systems with logistics routing to improve supplier and carrier performance.
- Manage premium freight with strict cost‑recovery expectations.
- Improve packaging efficiency to reduce freight and storage costs.
- Audit freight invoices to prevent incorrect billing.
Team Leadership & Development
- Communicate plant and corporate goals through regular staff meetings and updates.
- Ensure proper staffing (planners, schedulers, drivers, analysts) and maintain positive employee relations.
- Build a high‑performing materials team - targeting 90% “A players” supported through quarterly reviews and performance tracking.
Qualifications
Your Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, or related field.
- Seven (7) to ten (10) years of Materials Management experience in the automotive industry, including Product Launch experience.
- Strong knowledge of inventory control, logistics, material planning, and EDI systems
- Demonstrated leadership and team development experience
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills
Preferred Requirements
- Experience in an automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier environment
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
- ERP/MRP system experience (SAP or similar)
Equal Opportunity Employer
Lear Corporation is committed to fair, merit‑based employment practices and equal opportunity.
We provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law. For assistance during the application process, contact your recruiter directly.
Applicants must submit their resume for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located. Unsolicited resumes from search firms, employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and will become the property of Lear Corporation.
Lear Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workplace.
Applicants must submit their resume for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and will become the property of Lear Corporation.
Nearest Major Market: Detroit