Materials Manager Jobs in Illinois
Materials Manager jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in manufacturing, food processing, healthcare distribution, and aerospace and defense across experience levels from entry-level coordinators to senior supply chain leaders. Chicago, Rockford, and the Peoria metro anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Boeing have deep operations that depend on materials management teams. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois are inventory optimization, production planning, and procurement for complex manufacturing environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 25+ Materials Manager jobs
RRD provides a complete portfolio of marketing, packaging, print and business services to the world’s most respected brands, including 92% of the Fortune 100. The company’s proprietary technology, advanced data analytics and established expertise fuel organizational decision-making, from strategy through execution. With operations in 30 countries and over 35,000 employees, global organizations and regulated industries trust RRD to reduce complexity and drive audience connections across the entire customer journey.
Job Description
This role reports to the Director of Paper Services on the Direct Materials Procurement team and will be responsible for developing category strategies supporting our packaging, retail, and commercial print plants. This role will work closely with business stakeholders to understand business priorities to develop and execute category strategies to reduce total cost of ownership and ensure supply continuity.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for developing, communicating and implementing strategies for assigned categories
- Build relationships to partner with key internal stakeholders to understand strategic direction and business priorities in order to develop and execute effective strategies to achieve business objectives
- Achieve business requirements while effectively capturing value (i.e. cost improvements, risk mitigation, supply continuity, cost avoidance, process improvements, supplier management)
- Develop and sustain strategic relationships with key suppliers
- Research, evaluate and qualify new suppliers as business needs require and to ensure competitive advantages
- Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using cost models and benchmarking tools
- Ability to conduct successful market analysis, sourcing events, negotiations, and contract execution
- Negotiate supplier agreements with Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Service Level Agreements (SLA), appropriate price protection, and continuous improvement efficiencies
- Additional responsibilities as required to achieve business objectives
Qualifications
- 5+ years of strategic experience in direct materials procurement required
- An in-depth knowledge of folding carton board and substrate (plastics) applications and specifications required
- Bachelor degree in business management or supply chain required
- Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and collaborate across multiple internal teams and with suppliers
- Project management experience with high volume throughput
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data and identify potential opportunities that align with strategies
- Excellent communication skills with ability to respond to sensitive issues with professionalism
- Proficient in Google (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Able to travel occasionally as needed to support business requirements
- Familiarity with specific grades and calipers: SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), CUK/SUS (Coated Unbleached Kraft), CRB/WLC (Recycled Board), containerboard, and synthetic/rigid plastic substrates (polystyrene, polypropylene, PET, PVC).
- Understanding of mill vs. merchant/converter distribution dynamics, lead times, allocation management, and converting plant yield/waste factors.
- Experience establishing and running formal Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), supplier scorecards
- Collaboration with Plant Operations, Estimating and other key stakeholders
- Familiarity with enterprise ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP)
Additional Information
RRD's current salary range for this role is $78,700 to $125900 / year. The salary range may be adjusted based on the applicable geographic location of the hired employee, and the range may change in the future. At RRD, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. Depending on the role, in addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. RRD’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.
#LI-CP
#Remote
RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans
At RRD, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity. To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools during interviews to ensure an authentic and secure experience. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a transparent and equitable hiring process.
All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.
RRD provides a complete portfolio of marketing, packaging, print and business services to the world’s most respected brands, including 92% of the Fortune 100. The company’s proprietary technology, advanced data analytics and established expertise fuel organizational decision-making, from strategy through execution. With operations in 30 countries and over 35,000 employees, global organizations and regulated industries trust RRD to reduce complexity and drive audience connections across the entire customer journey.
Job Description
This role reports to the Director of Paper Services on the Direct Materials Procurement team and will be responsible for developing category strategies supporting our packaging, retail, and commercial print plants. This role will work closely with business stakeholders to understand business priorities to develop and execute category strategies to reduce total cost of ownership and ensure supply continuity.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for developing, communicating and implementing strategies for assigned categories
- Build relationships to partner with key internal stakeholders to understand strategic direction and business priorities in order to develop and execute effective strategies to achieve business objectives
- Achieve business requirements while effectively capturing value (i.e. cost improvements, risk mitigation, supply continuity, cost avoidance, process improvements, supplier management)
- Develop and sustain strategic relationships with key suppliers
- Research, evaluate and qualify new suppliers as business needs require and to ensure competitive advantages
- Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using cost models and benchmarking tools
- Ability to conduct successful market analysis, sourcing events, negotiations, and contract execution
- Negotiate supplier agreements with Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Service Level Agreements (SLA), appropriate price protection, and continuous improvement efficiencies
- Additional responsibilities as required to achieve business objectives
Qualifications
- 5+ years of strategic experience in direct materials procurement required
- An in-depth knowledge of folding carton board and substrate (plastics) applications and specifications required
- Bachelor degree in business management or supply chain required
- Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and collaborate across multiple internal teams and with suppliers
- Project management experience with high volume throughput
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data and identify potential opportunities that align with strategies
- Excellent communication skills with ability to respond to sensitive issues with professionalism
- Proficient in Google (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Able to travel occasionally as needed to support business requirements
- Familiarity with specific grades and calipers: SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), CUK/SUS (Coated Unbleached Kraft), CRB/WLC (Recycled Board), containerboard, and synthetic/rigid plastic substrates (polystyrene, polypropylene, PET, PVC).
- Understanding of mill vs. merchant/converter distribution dynamics, lead times, allocation management, and converting plant yield/waste factors.
- Experience establishing and running formal Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), supplier scorecards
- Collaboration with Plant Operations, Estimating and other key stakeholders
- Familiarity with enterprise ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP)
Additional Information
RRD's current salary range for this role is $78,700 to $125900 / year. The salary range may be adjusted based on the applicable geographic location of the hired employee, and the range may change in the future. At RRD, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. Depending on the role, in addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. RRD’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.
#LI-CP
#Remote
RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans
At RRD, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity. To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools during interviews to ensure an authentic and secure experience. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a transparent and equitable hiring process.
All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.
See All 25 Materials Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Manager JobsMaterials Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Materials Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Manufacturing
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in materials manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience managing inventory, procurement, and production planning in a manufacturing environment
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar enterprise platforms
- APICS certification such as CPIM or CSCP preferred by most Illinois manufacturing employers
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
- Ability to coordinate cross-functionally with production, quality, and finance teams on-site
Materials Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a materials manager in Illinois?
A bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, industrial engineering, or business is the standard starting point for materials manager roles in Illinois. There is no state-issued license required for this role in Illinois, but employers strongly favor candidates who hold an APICS certification such as the Certified in Planning and Inventory Management credential. Building experience in purchasing, inventory control, or production scheduling at an Illinois manufacturer or distributor is the most direct path to a materials manager title.
How much do materials managers make in Illinois?
Materials managers in Illinois earn a median of about $153,370 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $100,990 for the lowest 10% to over $225,450 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire materials managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring materials managers in Illinois right now include Kraft Heinz, Meta, and Plexus, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base, anchored by companies in the Chicago metro, Rockford, and the Peoria area, means consistent demand from both large corporations and mid-size industrial suppliers.
Which Illinois cities have the most materials manager jobs?
Illinois, Chicago, and Glenview have the most materials manager openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because of its density of corporate headquarters, distribution centers, and diversified manufacturing, while Rockford's strong aerospace and automotive supplier base and the Peoria area's heavy equipment and industrial manufacturing industries drive consistent demand outside the metro.
Are there remote materials manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Materials manager work is heavily on-site because the role involves direct oversight of physical inventory, production scheduling, and warehouse operations. About 50% of materials manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve procurement strategy or vendor management duties that don't require a daily plant floor presence.
How can I get hired as a materials manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a purchasing coordinator, inventory analyst, or production scheduler at an Illinois manufacturer or distributor. Large Illinois employers such as Caterpillar, Illinois Tool Works, and major food and beverage processors regularly bring on candidates in these roles and develop them internally. Earning an APICS student membership and beginning the CPIM coursework while in an entry role signals commitment to the field and gives candidates a concrete edge when applying for their first materials manager position.
Where can I find and apply to materials manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to materials manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles by location and specialization, find the ones that fit your background, and apply directly.
See All 25 Materials Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Manager Jobs