What does a Materials Manager do?

A materials manager is responsible for managing inventory and purchasing procedures of raw materials and other supplies within a company. Material managers collaborate with other managers to determine supply needs, purchase supplies and materials according to specifications and coordinate and supervise receiving procedures. Materials managers work in a variety of settings, however, warehouses are where they are most employed.

A bachelor's degree in Logistics or a relevant field is required for material managers as well as 3 years experience in a supervisory role. Successful material managers possess excellent organizational skills and have a deep understanding of forecasting and budgeting.

What responsibilities are common for Materials Manager jobs?
  • Maintains optimum inventory levels to ensure on-time deliveries to meet customer requirements
  • Responsible for continuing programs of exploration for new materials, suppliers, and processes to achieve the best possible quality, reliability, prices, continuity, and delivery
  • Establishes procedures and supervises the annual physical inventory
  • Supervise, evaluate and coach staff members
  • Interfaces with product line coordinators on the planning and forecasting of customer orders to meet shipments
  • Maintain relationships and negotiate with suppliers
  • Purchase supplies and materials according to specifications
  • Ensures that the company standard practices and procedures are followed in connection with all materials department functions
What are the typical qualifications for Materials Manager jobs?
  • 3+ years' experience in logistics role or related experience
  • Ability to lead team members
  • Customer service-oriented
  • Familiarity with supply chain and inventory management systems
  • Knowledgeable of forecasting and budgeting
  • Ability to solve problems swiftly
  • Working knowledge of SAP MM
  • Excellent organizational and leadership skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.5 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does a Materials Manager make near United States?

Confident
$99,710 /yr
Total Pay
$91,248
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$8,462
 /yr

Additional Pay

$99,710

 / yr
$64K$156K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Materials Manager Career Path

Learn how to become a Materials Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Materials Manager

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
28%
2 - 4
37%
5 - 7
19%
8+
16%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Materials Manager Insights

Read what Materials Manager professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
FollettFollett
Course Materials Manager II
Nov 3, 2022

“Pay is not the best and certainly not for the requirements or responsibilities of the job.”

Bronson Methodist HospitalBronson Methodist Hospital
Materials Management
Aug 4, 2021

“Upper management likes to make changes that don't benefit the people doing the job.”

Boy Scouts of AmericaBoy Scouts of America
Summer Camp Director
Oct 18, 2021

“The people are amazing and working with the kids is beyond gratifying and is in one of the best places in the world.”

Infiniti SolutionsInfiniti Solutions
Materials Supervisor
Aug 23, 2023

“Now I quit because I want to more up my new career to get more better pay salary”

CitiCiti
Assistant Vice President Consumer Banking Operations
Jun 11, 2022

“Good pay and rewarding”

Amazon Lab126Amazon Lab126
Sr. Materials Manager
Oct 6, 2022

“You get to work with great and talented people.”

HenkelHenkel
Materials Manager
May 24, 2023

“There is room to grow and opportunities to develop your career.”

Sorrento TherapeuticsSorrento Therapeutics
Materials Supervisor
Jan 11, 2022

“Great people and new inventive products.”

See More

Materials Manager Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Materials Manager

The most similar professions to Materials Manager are:
  • Production Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Manager
  • General Manager

Get anonymous career insights from your peers

View Full Conversation

Related Careers

Production Manager
$82,536
Operations Manager
$86,230
No skills overlap
Manager
$93,254
No skills overlap
General Manager
$99,197
No skills overlap

Materials Manager Jobs