What is a material manager and how to become one
Updated April 25, 2024 7 min read
A material manager oversees the procurement, storage, and distribution of materials. They secure materials at the right time, in the right quantities, and at the right cost. Material managers collaborate with production, sales, and logistics to forecast demand and plan inventory. They also negotiate with suppliers for favorable pricing and delivery terms. Additionally, they monitor inventory and manage the disposal of unnecessary materials. They work to procure materials while minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency.
How long does it takes to become a material manager?
It typically takes 5-6 years to become a material manager:
* Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as business, industrial management, or engineering.
* Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience, which typically includes 1-2 years of experience in a related field such as purchasing, inventory control, or logistics.
Opportunity for advancement and career growth
Ability to work with diverse teams and stakeholders
Opportunity to work with advanced technologies and systems
Chance to work in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same
Cons
Long hours and significant responsibilities
Significant administrative tasks associated with the role, such as data entry or recordkeeping
Frequent travel may be required, depending on the organization's needs
Difficulty finding a work-life balance due to the demands of the job
Potential for burnout due to the high level of responsibility and expectations placed on material managers
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How to become a material manager in 6 steps:
1. Step 1: Explore Education
2. Step 2: Develop Skills
3. Step 3: Complete Relevant Training
4. Step 4: Research Duties
5. Step 5: Prepare Your Resume
6. Step 6: Apply For Jobs
Material Manager career paths
Material managers often transition to roles like purchasing manager, senior purchasing manager, and logistics manager. They may also become operations managers or take on leadership roles as vice presidents. In some cases, they move into director roles, such as director of strategic sourcing or supply chain vice president. Materials directors and materials planning managers are also common career paths for material managers.
Buyer
Avg Salary $54,049
Production Manager
Avg Salary $78,064
Senior Buyer
Avg Salary $79,848
Warehouse Manager
Avg Salary $62,189
Specialist
Avg Salary $58,013
Avg Salary $53,902
Avg Salary $41,599
Manager
Avg Salary $58,651
Purchasing Agent
Avg Salary $51,950
Avg Salary $63,391
Show More
Material Manager
9 years
Systems Manager
Avg Salary $107,156
Avg Salary $127,061
Avg Salary $91,206
Supply Chain Manager
Avg Salary $100,414
Purchasing Manager
Avg Salary $98,118
Avg Salary $95,361
Material Project Manager
Avg Salary $86,465
Logistics Manager
Avg Salary $74,702
Materials Operations Manager
Avg Salary $48,861
Global Supply Chain Manager
Avg Salary $122,423
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Key steps to become a material manager
The educational requirements for a material manager typically include a bachelor's degree, with some professionals holding a master's degree. According to Adrian Tan, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator at Pennsylvania State University - New Kensington, "Large organizations will likely continue to invest in data mining efforts to better understand their supply chain dynamics. Smaller companies will likely make increased use of cloud computing applications to remain competitive." In the next five years, technology is expected to play a significant role in the field of material management, with a focus on digitization and automation. As Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of ASCM, notes, "The impact of technology on the supply chain will be multi-faceted, but, overall, I see it helping us close the ever-expanding skills gap."
Bachelor's
64.6 %
Associate
16.3 %
Master's
10.5 %
Start to develop specific material manager skills
A material manager's job involves overseeing inventory and financial accuracy, implementing lean manufacturing concepts, managing supply chain and materials management operations, and streamlining material forecasting. They also manage warehouse functions, supervise administrative staff, and negotiate supply agreements. Additionally, they enhance team productivity, improve inventory levels, analyze inventory analysis, and collaborate with product managers. They also manage production and delivery kpi reporting, provide logistical support, and balance supplier capacity vs. customer demand.
Skills
Percentages
Supply Chain 11.55%
Logistics 6.59%
Customer Service 5.64%
Inventory Control 5.36%
Materials Management 5.25%
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Complete relevant material manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New material managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a material manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real material manager resumes.
Research material manager duties and responsibilities
A material manager's responsibilities include managing inventory, scheduling, and material movement. They also oversee production planning, inspection, calibration, and procurement. This includes ensuring inventory accuracy, implementing lean manufacturing concepts, managing work-in-process and finished goods, and coordinating supply chain operations. Material managers also analyze inventory performance, negotiate supply agreements, create inventory analysis, and manage vendor delivery systems.
* Implement vendor manage inventory (VMI) programs with three key suppliers.
* Improve cash flow and increase OTD through the introduction of vendor consignment and vendor manage inventory programs.
* Identify optimal purchasing periods for conducting RFQ's in order to take advantage of peak supply periods.
* Expedite and project manage materials, heavy contact with vendors and clients to coordinate shipments of materials.
Prepare your material manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your material manager resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a material manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Material Manager Resume templates
Build a professional Material Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume.
Now it's time to start searching for a material manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
* Browse job boards for relevant postings
* Consult your professional network
* Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
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Date Posted
Lifepoint Health Support Center
Remote or Brentwood, TN
Indirect Categories Sourcing Manager- RemoteWho we are:At Lifepoint Health, we provide quality healthcare to rural communities. As a valued member of our team, you will be an integral part of a group working together to elevate Lifepoint's healthcare delivery network. Our network includes 60+ community hospitals, 60+ rehabilitation/behavioral health hospitals, and 250 additional sites of care across the United States. As an organization, we are dedicated to serving communities nationwide by providing exceptional care. We believe in the power of our talented teams and strive to create environments where employees find purpose and fulfillment.What you'll do:As an Indirect Categories Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for completing value analysis, working with service line leaders on products, standards, etc. support sourcing events, support negotiations and support contracting. They play a key role in assisting leadership in providing cost savings opportunities within the organization.Responsibilities:· Review requisition requests and determine if sourcing events and / or contracting negotiations are required· Strong negotiation, contract management, and interpersonal skills· Determine vendor and sourcing refresh strategy for assigned categories· Facilitate sourcing events with business owners and suppliers· Facilitate sourcing process, selection, negotiations and support contracting with business owners, key stakeholder groups and participating suppliers· Coordinate with contract administrators and buyers to complete contracts and establish appropriate Purchase Order (as needed) standards according to contract conditions· Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors· Analyze pricing trends and market conditions to identify cost-saving opportunities· Review new products (direct) and facilitate reviews with clinical advisory boards as needed· Interact with all appropriate departments and leaders to develop, coordinate, and integrate cost management programs into departmental services.What you'll need:Education: HS Diploma required. Bachelors degree in Business or related discipline preferredExperience: 3 + yrs. of experience in purchased service with proven communication, contract and negotiation skills required. Oracle experience preferredWhy choose us:As a team member of the Health Support Center, our goal is to support those that are in our facilities who are interfacing and providing care to our patients and community members. Our focus is to attract, retain, and empower a diverse and determined workforce. Our mission statement is at the heart of who we are and what we do: “Making Communities Healthier.” In this shared mission, we believe that our collective efforts will shape a healthier future for the communities we serve.Benefits: We offer an excellent total compensation package, including a competitive salary and benefits. Some of our benefits include 401k, flexible PTO, generous Employee illness benefit (EIB), medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program. We believe that happy, healthy people have a passionate engagement with life and work and have designed our package to enhance your wellbeing.Equal opportunity and affirmative action employers and are looking for diversity in candidates for employment: Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veteran
$83k-103k yearly est.
Lifepoint Health Support Center
Remote or Brentwood, TN
Indirect Categories Sourcing Manager- RemoteWho we are:At Lifepoint Health, we provide quality healthcare to rural communities. As a valued member of our team, you will be an integral part of a group working together to elevate Lifepoint's healthcare delivery network. Our network includes 60+ community hospitals, 60+ rehabilitation/behavioral health hospitals, and 250 additional sites of care across the United States. As an organization, we are dedicated to serving communities nationwide by providing exceptional care. We believe in the power of our talented teams and strive to create environments where employees find purpose and fulfillment.What you'll do:As an Indirect Categories Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for completing value analysis, working with service line leaders on products, standards, etc. support sourcing events, support negotiations and support contracting. They play a key role in assisting leadership in providing cost savings opportunities within the organization.Responsibilities:· Review requisition requests and determine if sourcing events and / or contracting negotiations are required· Strong negotiation, contract management, and interpersonal skills· Determine vendor and sourcing refresh strategy for assigned categories· Facilitate sourcing events with business owners and suppliers· Facilitate sourcing process, selection, negotiations and support contracting with business owners, key stakeholder groups and participating suppliers· Coordinate with contract administrators and buyers to complete contracts and establish appropriate Purchase Order (as needed) standards according to contract conditions· Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors· Analyze pricing trends and market conditions to identify cost-saving opportunities· Review new products (direct) and facilitate reviews with clinical advisory boards as needed· Interact with all appropriate departments and leaders to develop, coordinate, and integrate cost management programs into departmental services.What you'll need:Education: HS Diploma required. Bachelors degree in Business or related discipline preferredExperience: 3 + yrs. of experience in purchased service with proven communication, contract and negotiation skills required. Oracle experience preferredWhy choose us:As a team member of the Health Support Center, our goal is to support those that are in our facilities who are interfacing and providing care to our patients and community members. Our focus is to attract, retain, and empower a diverse and determined workforce. Our mission statement is at the heart of who we are and what we do: “Making Communities Healthier.” In this shared mission, we believe that our collective efforts will shape a healthier future for the communities we serve.Benefits: We offer an excellent total compensation package, including a competitive salary and benefits. Some of our benefits include 401k, flexible PTO, generous Employee illness benefit (EIB), medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program. We believe that happy, healthy people have a passionate engagement with life and work and have designed our package to enhance your wellbeing.Equal opportunity and affirmative action employers and are looking for diversity in candidates for employment: Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veteran
$83k-103k yearly est.
Samsara
Remote
Senior Materials Manager - Taiwan
Skills: Supply Chain, Cross-Functional, Supply Chain Planning, Building Management, Management, Materials, Operations, MRD
6d ago new
$75k-103k yearly est.
Remote or Carson, CA
Skills: Material Availability, Physical Inventory, Inventory Accuracy, Capacity Analysis, Cogs, POV, ERP, Kaizen
13d ago
$81.9k-122.9k yearly
S
SCN-Search Consulting Network
Remote or Greene, NY
Skills: Master Scheduling, Management, Operations, Startup, Compression Station, Objective C, Forecast Accuracy, Program Management
7d ago new
$91k-124k yearly est.
Lifepoint Health Support Center
Remote or Brentwood, TN
Skills: Leadership, Advisory Boards, Strong Negotiation, Service Line, Cost Management, Contract Management, Value Analysis, Sources
1d ago new
$83k-103k yearly est.
T
Topix Skin Health
Remote or Amityville, NY
Procurement Manager
Skills: Procurement Management, Cost Savings, Materials Management, Cost Management, Management Support, Supply Chain, Profit Margins, Category Management
2d ago new
$86k-122k yearly est.
DLR Group
Purchasing Manager, Residential
Skills: Status Updates, Procurement Process, Autocad, Logistics, Purchase Orders, Architecture, Integrated Circuit Design, Procurement Management
13d ago
$90k yearly
D
Des Growth Partners, Inc.
Remote or Houston, TX
Contracts and Procurement Manager
Skills: Cost Reduction, Solar Projects, Excellent Interpersonal, Materials, EPC, Solar Technology, Business Process Engineering, Environmental Standards
13d ago
$63k-100k yearly est.
C
Cinch Connectivity Solutions
Remote or West Orange, NJ
Skills: Aerospace, Internal Standards, Six Sigma Training, Performance Improvement, Operations, Leadership, Market Trends, Operational Efficiency
11d ago
$91k-124k yearly est.
Remote or Columbus, OH
5d ago new
$114.4k-171.7k yearly
A
Allwhere
Remote or New York, NY
Manager, Sourcing and Procurement
Skills: Creative Solutions, People Management, ERP, Operations, Process Improvement, Margin, Product Engineering, Sources
5d ago new
$86k-122k yearly est.
Valley Cooperative Association
Remote or Greenville, WI
Purchasing Manager
Skills: Customer Expectations, Customer Service, Inventory Issues, ERP, System Reports, Operations, P2P, Invoice
31d ago
$81k-112k yearly est.
Medpace
Remote or Cincinnati, OH
Supply Chain Manager
3d ago new
$74k-109k yearly est.
F
Fusion Business Solutions (P) Limited (Fbspl
Remote or Renton, WA
Supply Chain Business Manager
Skills: Operations, Business Systems, Management Organization, Contract Management, RF, Variable Rate, Master Data, Integrations
20h ago new
$86k-125k yearly est.
Remote or Foster City, CA
Clinical Supply Chain Manager in Foster City, CA (HYBRID)
Skills: Strong Computer, Project Management, Business Problems, Supply Support, Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, Management, Clinical Operations
2d ago new
$88k-125k yearly est.
Remote or Capitol Heights, MD
Virtual Course Materials Operations Manager
Skills: AP, Warehouse Operations, Competitive Landscape, Course Materials, System Integration, Hr, Operations, Publisher ETC
14d ago
$25k-44k yearly est.
Easy Apply
Imerys USA
Remote
Skills: Competitive Products, Applications, Sources, PPM, Procurement Management, Material Science, Project Management, OpEx
2d ago new
$50k yearly
D
Dexian
Remote or Miami, FL
Provider Contract Manager *REMOTE Seattle Area*Duration: 12 MonthsHours: Work hours 8 am to 5 pm Pacifici Standard Time, Monday through FridaySummary: The person in this position will need to be independent, self-motivated, and a quick learner. The person will need to have significant past experience performing provider behavioral health contracting to be successful in this position where she or he worked independently in order to be successful if she or her will be kept for this one-year assignment.Required:Prior experience working for a Medicaid health plan negotiating and issuing behavioral health contractsPast successful experience recruiting providers for a health plan network and obtaining applications and fully executed contracts BEFORE deadlines, and providing status updates on progress daily in a coherent, organized manner.Prior experience working for a health plan working as provider contract manager, provider contract assistant, or similar position (responsible for developing, negotiating, and obtaining fully executed agreements with providers, groups, facilities, agencies)* Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred, associate degree accepted, in health care administration, business administration, public administrator, law or related field* Experience working with/for Washington State adult family homes and/or assisted living facilities* Experience interacting with Washington State DSHS Adult Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) and/or Residential Care Services (RCS) and/or Home Community Services (HCS) staff/programsDexian is a leading provider of staffing, IT, and workforce solutions with over 12,000 employees and 70 locations worldwide. As one of the largest IT staffing companies and the 2nd largest minority-owned staffing company in the U.S., Dexian was formed in 2023 through the merger of DISYS and Signature Consultants. Combining the best elements of its core companies, Dexian's platform connects talent, technology, and organizations to produce game-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals.Dexian's brands include Dexian DISYS, Dexian Signature Consultants, Dexian Government Solutions, Dexian Talent Development and Dexian IT Solutions. Visit https://dexian.com/ to learn more.Dexian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
$47k-81k yearly est.
C
Clinical Supply Consulting
Remote or Malvern, PA
Clinical Supply Manager
Clinical Supply Consulting is currently seeking a Clinical Supply Manager to partner with study teams, vendors, and various internal and external stakeholders to ensure the delivery and execution of a clinical supply plan that supports study protocols and timelines. This is a fully remote role but occasionally, on an as-needed basis, you may be asked to travel for conferences, client visits, or training.From Manufacturing, Packaging, and Labeling, to Distribution and Technology Vendors, Clinical Supply Consulting partners with teams to optimize efforts, better anticipate resource and expenditure needs and provide in-depth IRT and Clinical Supplies training, support, and planning services.ResponsibilitiesManage the provision of all clinical supplies including finished product packaging and labeling, distribution, drug returns, and accountability, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders as necessaryEffectively manage projects on time and within budgetInterpret relevant protocol information to develop packaging/labeling design and/or global distribution strategyCoordinate the origination, proofing, and translation of clinical study labels, as requiredDefine supply chain management accountabilities based on communication with customers, scope of work, and study requirements.Selection and management of vendors for the supply of centralized services such as clinical trial supply companies, specialty labs, central suppliersOversee vendors from start-up to close-out including budget negotiation process and finalization, and ensure study budgets are managed to plan and scopeEnsure consistency of processes and documentation across multiple studiesWork collaboratively with other departments for the creation and approval of product labeling and import/export logisticsTrack and manage temperature data associated with shipments of clinical drug suppliesDevelopment of SOPs, RFIs, and RFI's and other documentation as requiredEvaluation of tools to support outsourcing oversight and study processes and Comparator sourcingSkills & Experience:· 3+ years of experience in Clinical Supply Chain Management· The ability to travel up to 10% of the time· Top-notch verbal and written communication skills· A passion for customer service and prior experience working in a customer-facing role· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously· Prior experience working with IRT or other software systems related to Clinical Supplies· GMP/GCP knowledge· Advanced Excel skillsWhat are the perks?Generous paid time offComprehensive benefits package401(k) with company matchFriendly, smart, passionate and hard-working coworkersOpportunities for professional growth and advancement
The average Material Manager salary in the United States is $96,125 per year or $46 per hour. Material manager salaries range between $72,000 and $126,000 per year.
How do material managers rate their job?
4 /5
Based On 1 Ratings
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5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros
Have a direct impact of the company bottom targets.
Cons
Works not recognized by upper management!
4.0
4.0 A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros
its a challenging work. you need lot of potential to be materials manager.
Cons
work will be sometimes hectic.
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros
I am continuously working to develop my the communication and computer skills necessary listed in the job description job description. My formal education which is bachelors degree in philosophy and a minor in economics. I am currently furthering my education in the area of computer science.
Cons
I am working to improve my area of concern which is having limitations when managing employees.
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