Materials Manager

Job Profile: Materials Manager Location: Rajarambapu Sugar Factory, Maharashtra Department: Materials / Supply Chain Management Reporting To: Managing Director (MD) Position Overview The Materials Manager will oversee all aspects of procurement, inventory, logistics, and supply chain management for Rajarambapu Sugar Factory. Reporting directly to the MD, this role carries key responsibility for ensuring uninterrupted operations, cost optimization, and timely availability of all materials and resources required for both the crushing season and off-season maintenance. The position requires strategic thinking, strong vendor relations, and effective leadership of the materials and stores team. Key Responsibilities Strategic Procurement & Vendor Management • Develop and execute procurement policies aligned with the MD’s strategic vision. • Identify and engage with reliable vendors for raw materials, machinery spares, lubricants, packaging materials, and capital equipment. • Negotiate contracts to secure competitive pricing and long-term supply assurance. • Establish vendor performance monitoring systems. Inventory & Stores Oversight • Maintain optimum stock levels to ensure no disruption in crushing operations. • Implement best practices in inventory control (ABC/FSN analysis, FIFO, perpetual inventory system). • Conduct regular stock audits and present findings to the MD. • Strengthen ERP-based materials management for transparency and control. Logistics & Supply Chain • Ensure smooth inward flow of materials and outward movement of finished goods/consumables. • Coordinate with transporters and suppliers for timely deliveries. • Anticipate and mitigate supply chain risks, especially during peak season. Financial & Budgetary Control • Prepare annual procurement and stores budget for approval by MD. • Monitor and control material costs against budgeted targets. • Submit periodic MIS reports (stock status, material consumption, vendor performance, cost savings) directly to MD. Leadership & Compliance • Lead, train, and monitor the materials and stores team for efficiency and accountability. • Ensure compliance with safety, statutory, and quality requirements. • Collaborate closely with production, engineering, and finance teams for factory-wide coordination. Qualifications & Experience • Graduate in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical) or Supply Chain Management. • MBA / Diploma in Materials Management preferred. • 10–15 years’ experience in procurement and materials management, ideally in the sugar or process industry. • Proven track record in vendor negotiation, inventory optimization, and supply chain leadership. • Strong ERP/IT skills for materials management. Skills & Competencies • Strong negotiation and vendor relationship management. • Strategic planning and cost-control orientation. • Leadership with ability to drive performance in cross-functional teams. • High accountability, reporting, and communication skills suitable for direct reporting to MD. • Ability to work under pressure and deliver results in seasonal peak operations. Career Growth Path The Materials Manager, being part of the core leadership team reporting to MD, will have opportunities to grow into positions such as Head of Materials & Supply Chain, Chief Operations Officer (COO), or equivalent senior leadership roles within the group.