Materials Manager

SunOpta Overview:
SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:
This position is responsible for the overall site materials management processes that support customer finished goods requirements, plant production schedules, production material purchasing, and inventory control. The Materials Manager leads the site Materials Management team and provides direction and performance oversight of outside partners including suppliers and service providers.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Responsible for the effective execution of critical manufacturing site support activities including Product Availability, Shipping/Receiving, Production Scheduling, Materials Purchasing, and Inventory Control.
• Maintain finished goods inventory levels that meet customer order requirements while minimizing excess and obsolete goods.
• Develop production schedules that meet customer requirements and optimize plant production efficiency.
• Ensure correct materials are on hand to support production requirements while optimizing inventory levels and procurement costs.
• Manage site shipping, receiving, material storage, and inter-plant movement activities for effective facility space utilization, labor efficiency, and material flow.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of materials received, issued, moved, produced, stored, and shipped into and out of the facility.
• Execute regular inventory counts, cycle counts, reconciliations, and adjustments to keep the Oracle inventory system accurate.
• Maintain and utilize Oracle ASCP and associated modules to execute materials management processes including purchasing, production scheduling, and inventory management.
• Develop and monitor performance of the materials management functions through the creation of regular reports and metrics. Develop action plans for opportunities and enlist the appropriate team members and partners to drive improvement.
• Ensure warehouse facilities meet Food Safety and GMP standards.
• Partner with other site functional leaders to identify and implement improvements in shared areas of accountability in support of excellence in overall site performance. ?

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Directly manages the members of the Materials Management team at the site level. This role is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of all scheduling, procurement, and warehouse staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related major.
• A minimum of 5-7 years supervisory or management experience in production, scheduling or logistics operations.
• A solid understanding of warehouse operations, supply chain, scheduling, cost management, and transportation.
• Prior experience using ERP systems for inventory management, production execution, and procurement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Beverage and/or aseptic experience.
• Oracle ERP experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven ability to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner, strong problem-solving skills.
• Solid analytical skills and the ability to manage both at a detailed level and at a broader level of leadership, experience with MS Excel and data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to effectively influence peers and external partners.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment while remaining calm.

Additional Considerations:

• Travel Expectation: Up to 5%.
• This position will be at the MN Street SunOpta plant in Alexandria, MN.
• Work Environment: Approximately 65% of work is performed in an office environment; 35% of work may involve being in an agricultural or manufacturing/production environment.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED