Materials Project Manager

Position Summary:

We're hiring a driven and technically minded Materials Project Manager with experience in materials development, project management, and manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for leading new material and product development initiatives, coordinating material testing and production trials, managing supplier relationships, and driving material optimization projects that support business growth. Working closely with production, engineering, R&D, commercial teams, and vendors, this position focuses on evaluating and implementing innovative material solutions, ensuring reliable supply, improving operational efficiency, and delivering high-quality, cost-effective products that meet customer and business needs.

Your Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead material development projects, including the evaluation, testing, qualification, and implementation of new materials and processes.
• Manage new product development initiatives by coordinating material selection, production trials, data collection, and commercialization activities.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers through assessments of capabilities, quality systems, financial stability, and performance.
• Develop sourcing strategies and negotiate supplier agreements, pricing, and service terms to optimize cost, quality, and supply reliability.
• Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving accountability, performance improvement, and long-term partnerships.
• Coordinate and support production trials, working closely with vendors, engineering, and manufacturing teams to validate materials and processes.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on materials, supporting product development teams with technical recommendations and material-related decision making.
• Monitor inventory levels, material consumption, and supply requirements to ensure uninterrupted production operations.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, and commercial teams to ensure materials meet performance, quality, and customer requirements.
• Analyze material usage, supplier performance, and market trends to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Conduct supplier audits, performance reviews, and corrective action activities to maintain quality and supplier compliance.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks by developing contingency plans and managing supplier-related challenges.
• Drive material optimization initiatives that improve processing performance, reduce waste, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
• Develop and implement lean material management strategies, including inventory optimization, campaign planning, logistics improvements, and just-in-time delivery practices.
• Partner with regional and global business teams to leverage material purchasing opportunities and maximize cost effectiveness.
• Lead cross-functional projects by managing timelines, priorities, resources, risks, and stakeholder communication.
• Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and project updates to support strategic and operational decision making.
• Support continuous improvement efforts that enhance material performance, operational effectiveness, and overall business results.

Your Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Business, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in materials management, project management, manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, product development, or a related discipline.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects from planning through implementation.
• Experience coordinating material evaluations, testing programs, production trials, or process improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing and maintaining supplier relationships, including supplier qualification and performance management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate data and make informed recommendations.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Your Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with plastics, polymers, resins, additives, dry chemicals, compounding, extrusion, or related manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting new product development, commercialization, or stage-gate product development processes.
• Experience leading material qualification, validation, and implementation projects.
• Knowledge of supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, and strategic purchasing practices.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory planning.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and supply chain optimization principles.
• Experience conducting supplier audits, quality assessments, or vendor performance reviews.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or formal project management training.
• Experience collaborating with global suppliers, technical teams, or multinational manufacturing organizations.
• Knowledge of material processing, manufacturing quality systems, and statistical data analysis.

Your Opportunities:

• We offer you a diverse range of tasks in a dynamic team in a company that is dedicated to team member growth and advancement,
• Competitive compensation package based on experience,
• Up to 5 weeks PTO after your first year,
• Paid parental leave,
• Health insurance plans,
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match,
• Training and advancement opportunities,
• Flexible scheduling for better work-life balance,
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment,
• Culture of continuous improvement and innovation, and more!