A materials coordinator manages the flow of materials and supplies in industries such as construction, distribution, and manufacturing. They require intermediate computer skills and a minimum two-year college degree in business administration or logistics. The position requires coordination, procurement concepts, and knowledge of international shipping and customs management. Career advancement opportunities include executive and management positions.
A materials coordinator is responsible for managing the flow of materials and supplies. This position is commonly found in the construction, distribution, and manufacturing industries. Accurate and timely handling of shipments is essential for the economic functioning of businesses in these sectors.
Just in time delivery is a commonly accepted inventory management concept that creates a huge demand for material coordinators. The main value in this concept is the reduction of storage space required, as the materials arrive just before they are used. However, if there are delivery delays, the whole operation comes to a complete halt, which affects profitability.
Educational requirements for a material coordinator include intermediate computer skills and a minimum two-year college degree in business administration or logistics. Additional training in project coordination, shipping and customs regulations, and dealing with conflicting priorities can be very beneficial to someone in this position.
All inventory records are reviewed daily by the materials coordinator. He tracks all new orders that require both stock and non-stock items. Based on customer orders and product requirements, the materials coordinator places orders with parts and material suppliers to ensure that sufficient materials are available for all sales orders.
This position requires coordination and the ability to manage conflicting priorities. In addition to ensuring that the flow of materials is uninterrupted, the material coordinator must use procurement concepts in order to minimize costs. Building master supplier lists, strategic sourcing, and purchase order management are just a few of the techniques used to manage this type of business.
Shipping materials from manufacturing and distribution centers around the world requires training in international shipping and customs management. Timing is of the essence for this position and being knowledgeable about shipping and customs can improve the accuracy of the time required for materials to arrive.
The computer programs used by a materials coordinator are often modules of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in large companies. In small and medium-sized businesses, inventory management software or custom databases can be used to track materials on hand, materials in transit, and materials in use. The skills needed to operate these systems can be learned in community college programs or through employer-provided training.
Career advancement opportunities for a Material Coordinator include executive and management positions. The skills utilized in this position can also be laterally transferred into business administration, project management and inventory management roles. These are well compensated positions and rarely require evening or weekend hours.
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