Materials Manager

THE COMPANY

Our client is one of the world’s largest providers of high-technology interconnect, sensor, and antenna solutions. Our products enable the electronics revolution across virtually every end market, including Automotive, Broadband Communications, Commercial Aerospace, Defense, Industrial, Information Technology and Data Communications, Mobile Devices, and Mobile Networks. Joining this organization means being part of a global innovator shaping the future of connectivity across industries.

Our client seeks an experienced Materials Manager to join their Mexicali team and lead materials in support of the scale-up of their manufacturing operations for the Power Solutions B.U. This business unit is the market leader in power electrical connectors and cable assemblies for the Telecom/Datacom market, serving applications such as storage, servers, and networking systems.

THE POSITION

Role Purpose

The Materials Manager will drive rapid scale-up of material planning, procurement, warehousing, and invoicing operations to support high-volume production and aggressive growth targets. This role demands a strategic leader who is also hands-on and can accelerate supplier readiness, optimize inventory, and ensure flawless material availability during a fast-paced ramp-up. Reporting to the Operations Manager – Mexicali, the Materials Manager will be a key enabler of operational agility and cost competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead material planning for accelerated production ramp-up, ensuring zero shortages and minimal excess inventory.
• Develop agile procurement strategies to secure critical components under tight timelines.
• Build risk mitigation plans for supply disruptions and implement dual-sourcing strategies.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining speed and quality.
• Implement advanced inventory control systems and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) programs to reduce working capital.
• Establish rapid response supplier communication protocols for urgent requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Sales, and Global Operations to align material flow with aggressive build schedules.
• Negotiate shorter lead times and flexible capacity commitments with suppliers.
• Monitor KPIs for inventory turns, supplier OTD, and material availability, and act swiftly on deviations.
• Lead a high-performance team of buyers and planners, fostering a culture of urgency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

THE CANDIDATE

Candidate Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in materials management or supply chain leadership, with proven success in high-growth or ramp-up environments.
• Expertise in ERP systems (Microsoft AX Dynamics a plus) and advanced planning tools. EXCEL.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage suppliers under aggressive timelines.
• English proficiency (90% or higher); bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams under pressure and deliver results at speed.

Key Competencies

• Agility and speed in decision-making.
• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership that inspires urgency and accountability.