The posting
At Dexter, we manufacture and distribute axles, accessories, and towing components primarily serving the commercial trailer, RV, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets. We’re building products and systems that are rooted in a culture of safety, collaboration, and innovation.
Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved over 65 years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service.
For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site at www.dextergroup.com.
About the Role
At Dexter, our Materials Manager is the heartbeat of operations — aligning procurement, production planning, scheduling, and shipping to ensure we deliver for our customers every single time.
Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role blends hands-on execution with big-picture strategy. You’ll lead materials flow from supplier to shipping dock, balancing cost, quality, service, and equipment utilization in a fast-moving, seasonal manufacturing environment.
If you thrive on coordination, data-driven decisions, and leading teams through complex supply chain challenges — this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
As Materials Manager, you’ll take ownership of the full materials lifecycle while leading a critical team:
- Driving front-end procurement and coordinating production planning and plant scheduling
- Leading and developing the Shipping/Warehouse team
- Partnering closely with Operations and the Production Superintendent to deliver on-time results
- Optimizing cost, quality, inventory levels, and equipment utilization
- Managing a broad global supply chain that ramps up quickly at the start of season and scales down efficiently at the end
- Building strong internal and external relationships with a customer-first mindset
- Using ERP systems and reporting tools to analyze performance and guide decision-making
- Applying lean manufacturing principles to continuously improve materials flow
- Adapting quickly to changing demand and high product variation
- Supporting additional operational initiatives as needed
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a strategic thinker who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or comparable technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
- 6+ years of related experience
- 3–5 years of materials management and production scheduling experience in heavy manufacturing
- Strong ERP system knowledge and reporting capability
- Advanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis tools)
- Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong customer service mindset
Highly Desired Experience:
- High-volume metal fabrication (forming, cutting, welding) and assembly
- Automotive or heavy truck sector experience
- Managing highly seasonal operations with rapid output changes
- Lean manufacturing tools such as Six Sigma, Toyota Production System, or similar methodologies
- Professional certifications (CSCP, CSM, CPSM, etc.)
Most importantly, we’re seeking someone with the drive to grow — a leader ready to expand their impact and take on increasing responsibility.
Why Work at Dexter?
At Dexter, we build more than products — we build careers. You’ll join a collaborative leadership team where your decisions directly influence performance, customer satisfaction, and operational success.
We offer:
- A stable, growth-oriented manufacturing environment
- Leadership visibility and strategic influence
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- A culture built on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
If you’re ready to lead materials strategy in a high-performance manufacturing environment, we’d love to connect with you.
We care for our people. Here are some of our great, comprehensive Benefits:
- Dexter offers a competitive wage
- Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
- 3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program
- 401(k) Plan with company contributions
- Opportunities for internal career development and growth
Apply now to join an industry leader and make a difference in what we do for the customers we serve!
Dexter is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a highly qualified, dedicated workforce. We hire and promote individuals based on their qualifications, performance, and abilities.
It is the policy of the Company to provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, veteran status, citizenship status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by applicable U.S. and Canada equal rights legislation protected by federal, state, province or local law.
If you’re ready to lead quality with purpose and precision, we’d love to hear from you.
