Materials Manager

Job Title:

Materials Manager / Inventory Control Planner Job Description This role leads inventory management and materials control within a robotics manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on optimizing inventory accuracy, managing third‑party logistics (3PL) partners, and driving process improvements. You will use data analytics, process management, and automation to enhance inventory performance, reduce waste, and support seamless fulfillment. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will standardize processes, support system upgrades, and contribute directly to an exceptional customer experience and the growth of both current and new products. Responsibilities Manage and control the performance, cost, and capacity of external fulfillment logistics providers (3PL), ensuring they consistently meet agreed service levels. Build and maintain strong 3PL provider relationships, negotiate service level agreements (SLAs), and drive continuous operational performance improvements. Ensure inventory accuracy across assigned programs by implementing robust inventory controls and replenishment processes. Develop and execute effective cycle count programs to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy. Investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions. Analyze inventory data to identify optimization opportunities and recommend solutions that improve inventory turns, reduce waste, and enhance the customer experience. Collaborate with procurement, operations, finance, and other cross‑functional teams to align on inventory goals and drive initiatives to achieve them. Design and deploy streamlined inventory management workflows, leveraging system automation and tools where possible. Create and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all inventory‑related activities. Support the implementation of inventory management system upgrades and enhancements, including ERP and related tools. Contribute to cross‑functional projects related to engineering changes, master data management, and overall supply chain improvements. Provide analytical reports and actionable insights to senior leadership to support decision‑making on inventory and materials strategies. Focus daily on inventory performance at the primary robotics manufacturing site while also monitoring and supporting other inventory locations as needed. Identify and drive process improvement and standardization opportunities across materials management and inventory control. Demonstrate and model leadership principles such as ownership, bias for action, and insistence on the highest results in all aspects of the role. Essential Skills At least 3 years of professional experience in supply chain, inventory management, or project management (beyond co‑op or internship experience). Bachelor's degree, preferably in Supply Chain, Technical Engineering, or a closely related field. Hands‑on experience in vendor management and 3PL operations, including performance oversight and relationship management. Strong analytical skills with demonstrated experience in data analysis and translating insights into practical actions. High attention to detail and accuracy in managing inventory data, processes, and reports. Proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely with leadership, stakeholders, and cross‑functional teams, both verbally and in writing. Experience in process management and process improvement within a materials or inventory function. Background in material management within a manufacturing environment, ideally in a lean or highly standardized operation. Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to handle day‑to‑day issues while driving longer‑term initiatives. Ability and willingness to provide concrete examples of measurable results from previous roles (for example, improvements in inventory accuracy, reduction in stockouts, cost savings, or process efficiency gains) on your resume and in discussions. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with process improvement methodologies such as Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma. Experience using SQL to extract, analyze, and interpret data for inventory and materials decisions. APICS certifications such as CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional). Experience working with ERP systems, particularly Oracle, for inventory and materials management. Exposure to robotics manufacturing, mechatronic systems, or advanced manufacturing environments. Demonstrated ability to support master data management and engineering change processes. Experience producing structured reports and dashboards for senior leadership. Comfort working in a fast‑growing organization with evolving products and processes, and an interest in continuous improvement and standardization. Work Environment This role is fully onsite at a robotics manufacturing facility in Westborough, MA, within a Robotics Manufacturing & Technical Operations team that owns manufacturing planning for robotics production. The environment brings together offices, labs, test floors, and factories in one location, enabling teams to design hardware, write code, test, build, and observe systems in action. You will work closely with a diverse group of engineers and operations professionals who focus on innovation, operational excellence, and rapid problem‑solving. Day to day, you will concentrate on inventory at the primary BOS27 location while also supporting other inventories as needed, addressing new issues as they arise and managing ongoing materials and inventory tasks. The team emphasizes lean manufacturing principles, materials management in a production setting, and strong collaboration with 3PL providers. The role may offer the possibility of extension or conversion based on performance and business needs. A ramp‑up period of approximately 6-8 weeks is expected, during which familiarity with Oracle, production operations, and 3PL environments will help you become fully effective. The culture values ownership, bias for action, and high standards, with a focus on continuous improvement, standardization, and supporting both existing and new product lines. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Westborough, MA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $47.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Westborough,MA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026. About Aston Carter Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.