Vice President of Materials Strategy in Midway, Georgia at Hanwha Materials Savannah LLC

Candidate Identified

About the Role:

The Vice President of Materials Strategy will lead the development and execution of comprehensive materials sourcing and management strategies that align with the company’s manufacturing objectives and growth plans. This role is pivotal in ensuring the availability, quality, and cost-effectiveness of raw materials and components critical to production processes. The successful candidate will collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, supply chain, engineering, and operations teams to optimize material flow and mitigate risks associated with supply disruptions. They will also drive innovation in materials usage, sustainability initiatives, and supplier partnerships to enhance competitive advantage. Ultimately, this position is responsible for delivering strategic insights and actionable plans that support operational excellence and long-term business success in the manufacturing sector.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in materials management, procurement, or supply chain roles within the manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record of developing and executing materials strategies that improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Strong leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and driving organizational change.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience with global sourcing and managing international supplier networks.
• Familiarity with sustainability standards and initiatives in materials sourcing.
• Certification in supply chain or procurement (e.g., CPSM, CSCP).
• Experience working with advanced manufacturing technologies and materials innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic materials sourcing plan that supports manufacturing goals and cost targets.
• Lead supplier relationship management, including negotiation, performance evaluation, and risk assessment.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to identify opportunities for material innovation and substitution.
• Oversee inventory management practices to balance cost efficiency with production continuity.
• Analyze market trends and supply chain dynamics to anticipate and mitigate potential material shortages or price volatility.
• Drive sustainability initiatives related to materials sourcing and usage in alignment with corporate social responsibility goals.
• Manage and mentor a team of materials strategy and procurement professionals to build capabilities and ensure high performance.
• Coordinate with finance and operations to align materials strategy with budgetary and production planning requirements.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Vice President to analyze complex supply chain data and market trends to make informed strategic decisions that optimize material costs and availability. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for collaborating with internal teams and external suppliers to build effective partnerships and drive continuous improvement. Negotiation skills are used daily to secure favorable terms and manage supplier performance. Analytical abilities support risk assessment and the development of contingency plans to ensure supply chain resilience. Preferred skills such as knowledge of sustainability practices and advanced manufacturing technologies enhance the role by enabling the integration of innovative and responsible materials strategies that align with evolving industry standards.