MP&L Manager

Position OverviewA leading North American manufacturer of engineering and fabrication solutions is seeking an experienced Materials, Planning, and Logistics (MP&L) Manager to lead plant-wide material flow, inventory management, production scheduling, procurement, and logistics. Reporting directly to plant leadership, this role manages a cross-functional team of 11 direct reports and applies Lean manufacturing principles to streamline material movement, eliminate waste, and ensure reliable on-time delivery in a low-volume, high-mix environment. *Relocation Assistance Available*Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute strategic materials planning aligned with production schedules, customer demand, and inventory targets.Oversee materials department personnel, including buyers, planners, schedulers, forecasters, inventory clerks, warehouse supervisors, and customer service staff.Direct internal plant logistics, shipping/receiving, warehousing, and exterior/offsite warehouse material storage and transport activities.Manage raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory levels through cycle counting and stock optimization.Source and negotiate with suppliers for raw materials and components while tracking vendor performance and quality.Collaborate with production to align scheduling with material availability, capacity constraints, and operational goals.Implement Lean tools—including VSM, Kanban, JIT, 5S, standard work, and Kaizen—to improve inventory turns, reduce lead times, and optimize workflow.Track department KPIs (inventory turnover, schedule adherence, freight costs, on-time delivery) and drive root-cause problem solving.Ensure all material handling and logistics activities comply with environmental, quality (IATF, ISO 14001), and safety standards.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).Minimum of 5 years of experience in materials planning, logistics, purchasing, or supply chain leadership within a manufacturing environment.Proven supervisory experience managing cross-functional supply chain and warehousing teams.Demonstrated hands-on experience applying Lean manufacturing tools (Kanban, VSM, JIT, 5S, Kaizen, visual management).Experience managing inventory, scheduling, and logistics, including offsite or exterior warehouse facilities.Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and inventory control practices.Excellent communication, problem-solving, and supplier negotiation skills.