Material Leader

Purpose of the Position

The Material Leader is responsible for coordinating daily material planning and purchasing activities to support production and business needs. This role leads Buyer Specialists and Material Planners, ensuring accurate PR/PO execution, on-time material delivery, healthy inventory levels and NPI materials. The position focuses on operational execution, inventory control, and continuous follow-up rather than strategic sourcing.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily activities of Buyer Specialists and Material Planners to ensure smooth execution of purchasing and material planning tasks.
• Monitor material schedules and pursue PR/PO orders to ensure on‑time placement and delivery.
• Track material incoming and vendor delivery status, following up on delays, shortages, or reschedule risks.
• Support material planning by ensuring PR issuance aligns with production schedules, demand plans, and MRP signals.
• Control inventory levels, manage SLOB, and support improvement of net inventory turns.
• Manage NPI material processes, including new material setup, PR/PO execution, and material readiness for pilot and mass production.
• Review daily material status, identify supply risks, and escalate issues to management and cross‑functional teams.
• Maintain accurate material, inventory, and supplier data in ERP/MRP systems and communicate material status effectively.

Required Qualifications (Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in material planning, purchasing, or supply chain operations.
• Hands‑on experience with PR/PO execution, order follow‑up, and material delivery tracking.
• Basic knowledge of material scheduling, MRP logic, and inventory control.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Ability to monitor material status, identify shortages, and escalate issues effectively.
• Good communication skills to work with suppliers and cross‑functional teams.  

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience coordinating or leading small teams or acting as a team lead.
• Exposure to NPI (New Product Introduction) material processes and pilot builds.
• Experience managing or analyzing SLOB and inventory aging.
• Understanding of inventory KPIs such as net inventory turns and service level.
• Experience in a manufacturing or operations driven environment.
• Proficiency in Excel or data analysis tools for material and inventory reporting.