Materials Manager: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Materials Manager do?

A Materials Manager oversees the acquisition, handling, storage, and distribution of materials within an organization. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the right materials are available at the right time and at the right cost to meet production schedules and maintain supply chain efficiency.

Materials Managers coordinate the entire lifecycle of materials from supplier negotiations to inventory control. They work closely with suppliers, procurement teams, and department heads to forecast needs and manage supply risks. Their work directly impacts the production process, cost control, and ultimately, the company’s profitability.

Efficient materials management is crucial for minimizing downtime in production and optimizing the supply chain.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Materials Managers in the Logistics field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage materials planning strategies to meet production requirements.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure cost-effective contracts for bulk materials purchases.
• Manage inventory levels, set ordering thresholds, and organize storeroom operations to ensure availability and efficient use of materials.
• Coordinate with production and procurement teams to forecast future materials needs and plan for changes in demand.
• Implement systems and processes for tracking and reporting on materials metrics, such as turnover rates, supply chain efficiency, and cost management.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards in the handling and storage of materials.
• Resolve supplier and contractor issues, and handle quality control problems related to materials sourcing and delivery.

How to Become a Materials Manager

Launching a career as a Materials Manager requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in materials management, supply chain operations, or inventory control.
• Proficiency in inventory management software and ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and material requirements planning (MRP).
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to work collaboratively with suppliers and internal teams.

Requirements & Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to managing materials supply.
• Effective communication skills, capable of conveying complex supply chain issues to a broad audience.

Materials Manager Salary Guide

Wondering what Materials Managers earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Materials Manager in the U.S. is approximately $85,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Materials Managers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Materials Manager Salary Career Steps