Director of Materials Planning and Logistics - Piston Automotive

The Director of Materials and Logistics leads, develops and deploys policies and procedures and the associated activities related to purchasing indirect / direct materials, tools / equipment, transportation and services necessary for operation of the organization.  Through the development and implementation of commodity strategy plans, management of supplier relationships, and delivery of cost reduction strategies, the Director of Materials and Logistics will seek to continuously improve the supply chain and enhance value for the Piston Group. Collaborate with peer Directors and Executives to drive continuous improvement initiatives to continually improve operational cost and performance.  Develops structure, procedures, and tools to support company and drive accountability to the process.  Monitor contract expirations to ensure uninterrupted service or negative financial impact.  Safe guard company assets as well as participate in the corporate POP assessments at all facilities, to track progression and drive focus to the correct priorities within each facility.  Must be a strategic thinker.

Piston Automotive wasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive?

Competitive Wages, Paid Holidays & Vacation, Medical & Rx Plans, Dental & Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Life & Disability Coverage, 401K with Company Match, Tuition Reimbursement , Vehicle and Product Discounts

Hybrid Remote Position: Work remotely 2-3 days a week and maintain a regular office presence at our Redford, Michigan headquarters.

• Develops and provides operational level strategic direction for NA Materials and Logistics teams.
• Leads and facilitates efforts in support of world-class practices. Researches and recommends new products, processes, systems, policies, and procedures to pursue in the future
• Develop budget and oversight of logistics team as well as transportation costs
• Develop and manage freight budget, third-party logistics companies, and transportation providers.
• Build and develop relationships with key suppliers and customers.
• Participate in the leadership and strategic direction to the continuous improvement process through the development, deployment and measurement of POP.
• Lead problem solving and issue resolution of defective or unacceptable goods or services (non-directed materials) with all stakeholders to determine cause of problem; take corrective and preventative action.
• Ensure all Customs requirements and regulations are met for international shipments as well as payment of duties and taxes
• Provide analytical support for supply chain projects including new business opportunities.
• Lead participation in vendor selection and purchasing of the most critical non-customer directed goods or services.
• Develop risk management programs to ensure continuity of supply in emergency scenarios
• Analyze the financial impact of proposed logistics changes, such as routing, shipping modes, product volumes or mixes, or carriers
• Able to travel up to 20% of the time, primarily within the United States Midwest.

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience as Materials and Logistics Manager related experience (supply chain or operations)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or a related field
• Ten years of working with contract language (the ability to craft the most favorable terms) 
• A minimum of ten (10) years of project management experience (capable of leading and managing initiatives effectively and efficiently)
• Ten plus (10+) years of negotiation experience
• Ten (10) years of experience of quantitative and qualitative analysis with financial analysis acumen. 
• Ten (10) years of experience implementing tactical and complex strategic initiatives.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of leadership and process orientation experience. 
• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience working in an environment of high integrity and ethics.
• Ten (10) years of experience effectively presenting information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience multi-tasking and working with a sense of urgency
• Eight (8) years of experience working with Excel, PowerPoint and Access tools at an advanced

Preferred Skills/qualifications:

• MBA is preferred
• Six Sigma Blackbelt preferred
• Lean Certification preferred

Piston Automotive, part of the Piston Group family of companies, is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of every employee. We encourage all candidates to apply for positions that match their skills and capabilities, ensuring equal consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For any questions regarding job opportunities or the application process, please reach out to us at pistongrouptalent@pistongroup.com. We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the job search and application process, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity for all job seekers.