Process Excellence Manager – Materials Management

Job description

Position Summary

The Process Excellence Manager drives global process standardization, optimization, and digitalization across Materials Management, Production Planning & Scheduling, and Purchasing in a multi-site Engineer-to-Order (ETO) and Configure-to-Order (CTO) environment. The role ensures efficient and scalable supply chain execution, balancing flexibility with control to support on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and customer responsiveness.

Responsibilities

• Process Design and Optimization Map, analyze, and redesign core business processes across materials management, planning, and purchasing functions. Standardize global processes, ensuring alignment with best practices and business objectives. Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and value stream mapping methodologies. Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and governance frameworks.
• Materials Management and Planning Define and optimize materials planning logic (MRP, reorder strategies, lead-time settings, safety stock parameters). Improve master data accuracy and standardization across sites. Enhance demand/supply balancing and rescheduling processes to reduce shortages and excess inventory. Drive adoption of advanced planning tools and analytics.
• Production Scheduling Excellence Establish standardized scheduling principles and performance metrics (e.g., adherence, frozen zones, constraint management). Partner with plant schedulers to improve visibility and synchronization between order entry, engineering release, and production execution. Support implementation of digital scheduling or finite capacity planning solutions.
• Purchasing and Supplier Collaboration Streamline sourcing and purchase order processes to improve responsiveness and compliance. Define and roll out supplier performance metrics and feedback mechanisms. Lead initiatives to integrate suppliers into planning visibility (e.g., portal, EDI, or planning collaboration tools). Support global procurement strategy execution and purchasing process automation.
• Performance Measurement and Reporting Develop KPIs to measure process efficiency, material availability, and schedule adherence. Lead regular process reviews and continuous improvement cycles. Implement root cause analysis frameworks for chronic planning or purchasing issues.
• Systems, Tools, and Data Enablement Collaborate with IT/ERP teams to improve planning and procurement system functionality (ERP, APS, MRP, supplier portals). Champion digital transformation and data-driven decision-making. Ensure consistent global use of tools and templates across all sites.
• Change Management and Training Drive organizational adoption of new processes and tools through structured change management. Develop training materials and conduct workshops for global teams (planners, buyers, schedulers, and materials managers). Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience

8+ years in supply chain, production planning, or materials management roles. Proven experience in ETO/CTO manufacturing environments. Experience leading global or multi-site process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Infor, or similar). Proficiency with process improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen). Excellent analytical, facilitation, and project management skills. Strong communication and stakeholder management across global teams. Familiarity with advanced planning systems and digital transformation initiatives. Travel 30-50% Within the US and Global