Materials Manager - ZipRecruiter : Job Details

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSUMMARY: The Materials Manager at Karman Space & Defense will oversee a cross-functional team responsible for procurement, planning, master scheduling, material handling, and logistics. This leader will ensure material readiness, schedule alignment, supplier compliance, and efficient flow of goods to support complex manufacturing operations under strict aerospace and defense requirements.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment with a deep understanding of MRP, defense compliance, and operational excellence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Procurement

• Lead the procurement team to ensure timely, cost-effective sourcing of materials.
• Ensure all procurement activities are compliant with DFARS, ITAR, DPAS and defense-specific flow-downs.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships, and lead supplier performance reviews (OTD, quality, lead times).
• Monitor and manage supplier performance in quality, delivery, and responsiveness.

Material Planning / Production Control

• Drive material planning activities aligned with program schedules and customer commitments.
• Oversee MRP execution, BOM maintenance, and inventory strategies to support build schedules.
• Proactively manage shortages and risks to maintain uninterrupted production flow.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships, and lead supplier performance reviews (OTD, quality, lead times).

Master Scheduling

• Develop and maintain the master production schedule that aligns customer demand with capacity and material availability.
• Drive alignment across operations, engineering, and program management for accurate build forecasts and to support schedule integrity.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning processes and long-range planning.

Material Handling

• Ensure accurate, safe, and efficient movement of material across receiving, storage, WIP, and kitting.
• Implement material control systems including barcoding, FIFO, and traceability protocols.
• Support production lines with timely and complete kits and replenishments.

Logistics

• Manage all inbound and defense-compliant documentation.
• Oversee freight management, packaging standards, and on-time delivery to external customers and internal production cells.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing materials team.
• Establish and manage KPIs such as on-time delivery, inventory turns, and material readiness.
• Champion ERP best practices and material flow optimization initiatives.
• Serve as a key contributor in customer reviews, audits, and internal program meetings

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and oversee team members, including hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Monitor and approve timecards and ensure compliance with timekeeping policies.
• Schedule and assign work based on operational needs and organizational priorities.
• Evaluate employee performance, conduct regular check-ins, and conduct annual performance reviews.
• Works with Safety Manager/EHS Specialist to ensure safety protocols are strictly followed and enforced.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, support, and direction to all team members

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS:

• Must have strong written and verbal skills,
• Must have daily contact with departments.
• Daily contact with various levels of suppliers to negotiate prices.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in materials, planning, or supply chain roles in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
• 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
• Two years of experience in an AS9100 environment and working in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in logistics, business systems, and compliance with aerospace and defense regulations (ITAR, DFARS, DPAS).
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and meet aggressive delivery timelines.
• Highly skilled in supplier and stakeholder relationship management, with strong organizational, negotiation, and influencing skills.

• Understands aerospace and industrial requirements of the industry

• Highly proficient in reading, writing (i.e. proposals), verbally communicating, and presenting to various audiences
• Analytical , critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Technological understanding consistent with the products being manufactured
• Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal and leadership skills
• Conducts oneself with a high-level of professionalism and personal integrity
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. , U.S. Permanent (green card holder) or other status as a U.S. Person)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sedentary: a significant portion of the job involves desk work, including computers, reviewing documents and communicating by phone or email. This may involve prolonged sitting
• Walking and Standing: Will need to walk around the facility, including warehouses and production areas, to assess inventory, oversee operations and interact with teams
• Lifting: While not usually expected to lift heavy items, at times there may be requirements to lift boxes or materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Handling Materials: This can include handling materials for inventory management, receiving and shipping, and potentially for quality control
• Other Physical Tasks: At times there may be other physical demands like bending, squatting, reaching and turning to access files, equipment or inventory.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in a combination of office and warehouse or production environments, balancing office work with physical presence to oversee procurement, planning, scheduling, master scheduling, material handling and logistics

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Occasional, up to 5%

M-F 8am-5pm