SM/M, Material Management

Roles & Responsibilities

The Senior Manager/Manager of Materials Management for ATL Business unit (direct and indirect raw material for Castings, Primary Metals and Metal Products division) is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end material management processes, ensuring the efficient procurement (domestic as well as import), inventory control, and timely delivery of materials necessary for production. The role requires a deep understanding of materials required for castings, all processes from sourcing to managing inventory, from vendor management to international supplier and logistics coordination to ensure timely delivery in right quantities at right cost.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Procurement & Sourcing

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality sourcing of raw materials, consumables, spares, and capital goods.
• Lead negotiations and finalize procurement contracts and rate agreements with both domestic and international suppliers.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard qualified suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery capabilities.
• Manage global sourcing, including vendor communications, international logistics, import documentation, and compliance with EXIM policies.
• Collaborate with finance and banks on Letter of Credit (LC) issuance, payment terms, and import-related transactions.
• Drive supplier development initiatives, ensuring supplier risk mitigation and performance monitoring.

2. Inventory Management

• Optimize inventory levels to strike a balance between cost efficiency and uninterrupted production support.
• Implement lean inventory practices like Just-in-Time (JIT), ABC/XYZ classification, and safety stock analysis to reduce carrying costs and avoid material shortages.
• Monitor and control inventory aging, obsolescence, and excess stock through regular reviews and corrective actions.
• Establish robust warehouse and material handling processes to maintain traceability, accuracy, and safety.

3. Planning & Control

• Collaborate with production planning, operations, and engineering teams to forecast short-term and long-term material requirements.
• Ensure accurate demand planning and procurement scheduling based on BOM, production plans, and inventory availability.
• Leverage ERP and analytics tools for supply-demand alignment, order tracking, and real-time material visibility.
• Prepare and present material management KPIs and MIS reports to track procurement spend, inventory health, vendor performance, and budget adherence.
• Drive continuous improvement in material flow, procurement cycle times, and cost optimization.

4. Supervision & Leadership

• Lead and manage a cross-functional materials management team, setting clear objectives and KRAs for team members.
• Foster a performance-driven culture focused on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities to build functional capability and career progression within the team.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, statutory, and company policies in all materials-related operations.
• Champion digital transformation and ERP utilization for enhanced accuracy, transparency, and process automation.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Industrial Engineering or Production Engineering or a related field, or a related field.

Experience:

• 7 to 15 years of experience in material management, preferably within aerospace casting or manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of casting materials, supply chain logistics, and production processes.
• Hands-on experience with procurement related forecasting and budgeting.

Technical / Functional Expertise & other competencies:

• Knowledge of EXIM for placing Purchase Orders (PO).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong business acumen and financial management skills along with high level of negotiation skills.
• Conversant with ERP modules.
• Good in capital purchase and must be an expert in raw material purchase for casting manufacturing industry.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications and other relevant software.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders