Confidential Search - Material Director

Johor Permanent View Job Description
Join Our Leading EMS Client as their next Material Director.
  • Work in a top tier company in the industry
  • Be in a position to drive growth, change management & continuous improvement

About Our Client



An established and growing electronics manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Material Director to lead end-to-end materials management, supply chain planning, inventory optimization, and fulfillment operations across a complex global manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring material availability, driving operational excellence, optimizing inventory performance, and leading strategic initiatives that support business growth and customer satisfaction.

In this role, you will oversee the full spectrum of materials management, including demand planning, supply planning, inventory control, production planning, procurement collaboration, logistics coordination, and order fulfillment. You will be responsible for developing and executing material strategies that balance customer demand, inventory investment, and operational efficiency while ensuring uninterrupted supply to manufacturing operations.

Working closely with Procurement, Commodity Management, Manufacturing Operations, Customer Focus Teams, Logistics, Finance, and Global Supply Chain stakeholders, you will drive planning accuracy, inventory reduction initiatives, material flow optimization, and supply chain risk mitigation strategies. You will also lead a high-performing materials organization, develop talent, and establish best-in-class planning and inventory management processes across the business.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in materials management, supply chain planning, inventory optimization, production planning, and manufacturing operations, preferably within the electronics manufacturing services (EMS), semiconductor, industrial, or advanced manufacturing sectors. Strong leadership capabilities, stakeholder management skills, and a proven track record of driving operational performance, inventory improvements, and customer delivery excellence will be essential for success in this role.

Job Description

Materials & Supply Chain Leadership

  • Develop and execute materials management strategies to ensure efficient and cost-effective material flow across the manufacturing operation.
  • Lead procurement planning, inventory management, production planning, and material control activities to support customer demand and operational objectives.
  • Drive supply chain optimization initiatives focused on improving service levels, reducing inventory exposure, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure materials performance, inventory health, and supply chain effectiveness.



Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

  • Partner closely with Procurement and Commodity Management teams to develop sourcing strategies, supplier risk mitigation plans, and capacity management initiatives.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to ensure supply continuity, competitive pricing, quality performance, and delivery reliability.
  • Support localization initiatives, supplier development programs, and cost-reduction projects that contribute to long-term business objectives.



Inventory & Operational Excellence

  • Oversee inventory planning and optimization activities while balancing customer requirements, production needs, and financial targets.
  • Collaborate with Finance to manage inventory investment, carrying costs, forecasting accuracy, and working capital improvements.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning, warehousing, logistics, and material management processes.



Stakeholder & Customer Management

  • Work closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Commercial teams to align materials strategies with business objectives.
  • Engage directly with executive stakeholders and customers on supply chain performance, escalation management, and strategic initiatives.
  • Provide leadership during periods of demand fluctuation, supply disruptions, and business expansion activities.



Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing materials and supply chain organization.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
  • Support talent development, succession planning, and organizational capability-building initiatives.

The Successful Applicant

  • Proven experience leading Materials Management, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory Control, Procurement, and Fulfillment functions within a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding of demand planning, supply planning, inventory optimization, production planning, and supplier management.
  • Experience working closely with global procurement teams on sourcing strategies, supplier performance, capacity planning, and supply chain risk management.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive inventory improvements, working capital optimization, and operational excellence initiatives.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams.
  • Strong analytical, commercial, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Proven people leadership experience managing large, cross-functional teams across a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is advantageous.



What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to lead a critical function within a large and growing manufacturing organization.
  • Significant exposure to senior leadership, customers, and global stakeholders.
  • Autonomy to shape materials and supply chain strategies that directly impact business performance.
  • Leadership role with strong career progression opportunities.
  • Competitive remuneration package and comprehensive benefits.



Contact
Victor Dharmaraja
Quote job ref
JN-092026-7110920
Phone number
+60323024108

Job summary

Function
Procurement & Supply Chain
Specialisation
Direct Procurement
What is your area of specialisation?
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Johor
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Victor Dharmaraja
Consultant contact
+60323024108
Job Reference
JN-092026-7110920

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.