What does a Materials Coordinator do?
Published 3 min read
A materials coordinator manages the flow of materials and inventory within a company. They are responsible for ensuring that materials are available when needed and that they are stored properly. They may also be responsible for coordinating the movement of materials between different departments or locations.
Materials Coordinator job duties include:
- Coordinating the storage and distribution of materials
- Tracking inventory levels and ordering new supplies as needed
- Maintaining records of all incoming and outgoing shipments
- Inspecting materials for damage or defects
- Working with suppliers to resolve quality issues
- Negotiating prices and terms with vendors
- Coordinating delivery schedules with production needs
- Overseeing the receiving, warehousing, and shipping of materials
- Coordinating transportation of materials to and from suppliers
Materials Coordinator Job Requirements
There is no one specific path to becoming a Materials Coordinator, but most likely it will involve some combination of education, certification, and experience. Some employers may require a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, while others may be more interested in candidates with relevant work experience. Certification from a professional organization such as the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) can also be helpful. In terms of experience, it is important to have some background in materials management, supply chain, or logistics. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also essential, as is the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Materials Coordinator Skills
- Inventory Management
- Purchasing
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics
- Coordination
- Organization
- Planning
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
Related: Top Materials Coordinator Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Materials Coordinator
There are many steps to becoming a materials coordinator. The first is to have a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or engineering. Then, it is recommended that you have at least five years of experience working in a manufacturing or production environment. After that, you will need to obtain a certification from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). Finally, you will need to be proficient in using Microsoft Office applications and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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