Materials Specialist
Location: Traverse City, MI, US
Job Function: Manufacturing
Employment Type: Salary
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 successempowered, 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/Customer Service/Shipping Specialist who can coordinate/maintain supply chain systems and incorporate the best methods for day to day operations. Responsible for coordination and processing of daily shipping documents; assisting with documenting consignment inventory, scrap; coordination with production departments for products needed; and any other essential functions of the position. Engaging with our external customers and suppliers on a daily basis and maintaining and growing these relationships. Must have previous material control, shipping, or inventory control experience in the manufacturing industry. Monitoring the OEM direct ship portals to confirm ASN processing. Coordinating with production scheduling to ensure 100% on time delivery.
Education Requirements: Plan, schedule, and manage the flow of raw materials, components, and finished goods to support production requirements. Monitor inventory levels and maintain accurate inventory records through cycle counts and inventory audits. Analyze material requirements using ERP/MRP systems to ensure adequate supply while minimizing excess inventory. Coordinate with suppliers to manage delivery schedules, expedite critical shipments, and resolve material shortages. Collaborate with production, purchasing, logistics, and warehouse teams to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations. Track and report key inventory and supply chain metrics, including inventory accuracy, inventory turns, and supplier performance. Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, material variances, and supply chain issues. Support production scheduling by ensuring materials are available and delivered according to manufacturing timelines. Manage material transactions, inventory adjustments, and system updates within ERP systems. Develop and implement inventory control processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments while ensuring compliance with company and customer requirements. Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for material shortages and inventory concerns. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, inventory optimization, and process standardization. Maintain compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements related to material handling and storage. Generate reports and provide data analysis to support supply chain planning and operational decision-making.
Bachelor's degree or 3 plus years of experience in manufacturing/production or supply chain preferred. Create/maintain supply chain management strategies that increase efficiency and speed, provide operational support and guidance to ensure maximum productivity. Collaborate with other departments to identify vulnerabilities and maintain smooth operations. Process or release documents from existing material planning system. Coordinate with customer contacts as needed to ensure distribution of needed documents. Experience with Ford DDL and GM Supply Power is preferred but not required. Familiar with safety and procedural best practices in supply chain management. Experience with ERP programs (enterprise level preferred). Comprehensive understanding of MS Excel, MS Word, and industry standard MRP planning and shipment processing software.
