Division Materials Manager (Production Control & Inventory)

THE COMPANY

Our client is a Fortune 250 global industrial technology leader and one of the world’s most respected manufacturers of highly engineered motion and fluid control solutions. With approximately $20 billion in annual revenue, operations in more than 50 countries, and a reputation built on innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, the company serves a diverse range of industries including aerospace, defense, construction, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, data infrastructure, transportation, and advanced technologies.

This opportunity is within one of the company’s flagship global business units—a recognized market leader in the design and manufacture of highly engineered quick-connect fluid transfer solutions used in mission-critical applications around the world. The division operates in a dynamic, Lean manufacturing environment where operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement are at the core of its culture.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join an industry leader that offers exceptional career development, financial stability, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a global manufacturing organization.

THE POSITION

Reporting directly to the Division Supply Chain Manager, the Division Materials Manager (Production Control & Inventory) will provide strategic and operational leadership for production control, inventory management, master scheduling, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) across the division. This position is based out of our Golden Valley (Minneapolis), MN divisional corporate office. Alternative sites in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. This highly visible leadership position combines strategic planning with hands-on execution and plays a critical role in ensuring optimal material availability, inventory performance, production scheduling, and customer delivery. The successful candidate will lead production control and inventory teams while partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Finance, and Commercial leadership to optimize manufacturing performance across multiple production facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all production control, inventory management, and master scheduling activities for the division.
• Develop production plans aligned with customer demand, sales forecasts, manufacturing capacity, and inventory objectives.
• Drive inventory optimization initiatives while maintaining high service levels and minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Lead monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to align demand, supply, and operational capacity.
• Prepare and manage master production schedules across weekly, monthly, and long-term planning horizons.
• Analyze production requirements considering labor availability, equipment capacity, material constraints, and customer priorities.
• Collaborate with Procurement to ensure timely material replenishment and effective supplier performance.
• Resolve production conflicts resulting from engineering changes, material shortages, capacity constraints, quality issues, or changing customer priorities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles to improve inventory turns, planning accuracy, service levels, and operational efficiency.
• Develop performance metrics, dashboards, and management reports that support data-driven decision making.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for production control and inventory personnel while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

THE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be an analytical, collaborative, and results-oriented planning and materials management professional with a proven record of optimizing inventory, production planning, and supply chain performance within a complex manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials Management, Operations, or a related discipline.
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in Production Control, Materials Management, Inventory Control, Master Scheduling, or Supply Chain leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience leading production planning and inventory functions supporting high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated experience with Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, production scheduling, capacity planning, inventory optimization, and demand planning.
• Proven ability to analyze complex operational data and implement process improvements.
• Experience working within Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Advanced analytical capabilities with proficiency in ERP systems (SAP a plus) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Self-directed and hands-on leader capable of balancing strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational execution.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY?

• Join a Fortune 250 global industrial technology leader with approximately $20 billion in annual revenue.
• Become part of a market-leading division serving mission-critical industrial and technology markets worldwide experience high growth in markets like aerospace, Defense, AI Data Processing Centers, and alternative energy, among others.
• Number one market share worldwide in quick couplings.
• Highly visible leadership role with direct impact on operational performance and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborative culture focused on innovation, Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and employee development.
• Significant opportunities for long-term career advancement within a global organization and across multiple divisions.
• Very competitive base salary depending on qualifications and experience.
• Participation in an annual incentive program.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with generous company matching contribution.
• Additional company-funded retirement contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development.
• Generous paid time off and company-paid holidays.
• Comprehensive family-friendly benefits, disability coverage, financial planning resources, and additional voluntary benefit programs.
• Company support offered for relocation expenses.