Materials Manager

Date: Jun 5, 2026

Location: Karvina, Moravian-Silesian Region, CZ, 733 01

Company: Gates Corporation

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

What to Expect?

Gates in Karviná is a major manufacturing facility producing high‑quality industrial and automotive fluid power and transmission components. With around 250 employees, the site is a key local employer and a critical European manufacturing and logistics hub. Combining production, logistics, and supply chain activities, the Karviná plant plays a vital role in supporting customer delivery, operational excellence, and business growth.

 

As part of the plant leadership team, we are currently looking for a Materials Manager  who will play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted material flow, inventory optimization, and supplier performance. The position is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted material supply to meet production and customer requirements, driving operational efficiency, and supporting long‑term business objectives through robust planning, cross‑functional collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead and direct Supply Chain activities including Buying (tactical purchasing), Logistics/Warehouse, Material Management, and Production Planning.
  • Manage and develop teams across the respective Supply Chain functions, setting priorities and ensuring effective execution.
  • Ensure all materials are delivered On Time In Full (OTIF) to the Karviná plant in alignment with European and Global negotiated contracts.
  • Drive compliance with approved European and Global suppliers, purchasing policies, and negotiated pricing.
  • Act as the primary local contact for suppliers regarding delivery or contractual deviations, with responsibility for escalating recurring issues.
  • Maintain close cooperation with European and Global Commodity Managers, including alignment on forecasts and supply planning.
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting of Global Procurement KPIs and dashboards.
  • Develop and continuously improve MRP/SAP processes to support on‑time Master Production Schedule (MPS) delivery.
  • Drive inventory optimization and stock reduction across the supply chain using appropriate inventory management techniques.
  • Coordinate INPI activities and new business introductions with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Work closely with Manufacturing and Quality to meet customer schedules and operational objectives.
  • Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with ISO procedures within materials management and supply chain activities.
  • Support supplier development and quality improvement programs in cooperation with the Quality department.
  • Participate in cost‑down projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and problem‑solving activities across functions.
  • Ensure all activities are executed in accordance with company policies, code of conduct, and objectives related to safety, quality, customer satisfaction, growth, and people development.

Job Profile

  • Applies comprehensive knowledge of Supply Chain processes, systems, and best practices.
  • Solves complex operational problems by analyzing data, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
  • Leverages business drivers to optimize cost efficiency, service levels, and inventory outcomes.
  • Works independently within established guidelines and policies, while coordinating closely with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Communicates clearly and effectively to support decision‑making and operational execution.

Keys to Success

  • Requires in‑depth conceptual and practical knowledge of Supply Chain management and related disciplines.
  • Demonstrates strong ownership of material flow, delivery performance, and inventory targets.
  • Effectively collaborates across functions and with suppliers to resolve issues and improve performance.
  • Continuously identifies opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Provides people leadership and prioritization to support service and operational objectives.
  • Responsible for performance management and development of managers or associates.
  • Acts as a subject‑matter resource for associates, colleagues, and/or customers.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in Supply Chain, including management experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Degree‑level education or equivalent experience, preferably in logistics, technical, economics, or management disciplines.
  • Proficient in Czech and English, both written and spoken.
  • Strong knowledge of Supply Chain management, purchasing practices, and inventory management techniques.
  • Experience working with MRP systems and SAP.
  • Strong project management and cross‑functional coordination skills.
  • Proven leadership, team‑building, and problem‑solving abilities.
  • Good negotiation skills and understanding of purchasing systems and supplier management..
  • Proficient user of Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

 

#LI-SS1

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

GDPR: Gates are committed to protecting your private data.  Please see below the link to our Job Applicants Privacy Statement which we would ask you to read in full. By applying for this position, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted this policy.

Gates Job Applicants Privacy Statement