📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sr. Manager - Material Conversion & Advancement
🔹 Company: Metallus
🔹 Location: Canton, Ohio
🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time
🔹 Category: Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: July 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Overseeing outside procurement, supplier management, and contract performance
- Ensuring supplier compliance with quality, cost, and delivery requirements
- Driving long-term supply chain development and strategy
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and experience in supplier management and contract negotiations.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage and expand supplier partnerships for outsourcing support
✅ Manage the quote, analysis, and award process for MC & LL supply chains
✅ Manage the RFQ process and lead commodity managers in development and ongoing management of KPIs and supplier agreements
✅ Lead supplier performance in LL and MC outsourcing to align with Metallus business goals
✅ Establish and implement strategic programs and analytical tools to evaluate and improve supplier performance throughout the supply chain
✅ Integrate sourcing activities with other business areas to provide the lowest total cost of ownership for Metallus
✅ Oversee global sourcing aligned with growth strategies, evaluating supply chain solutions and supplier performance
✅ Enhance Metallus component capabilities based on customer needs and market demand
✅ Collaborate with commercial and business development teams to identify market gaps, develop make vs. buy strategies, and adapt sourcing approaches to evolving customer needs
✅ Enhance the skills and capabilities of direct reports to surpass set objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: At least 7 years working in a management or leadership capacity within the manufacturing sector
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of SAP, Maximo, and Long Length Outsourcing Purchasing Systems
- Self-driven mindset
- Ability to solve problems
- Ability to work hands-on
- Ability to lead a team or on their own
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
Preferred Skills:
- Master's degree in business, supply chain, or engineering
- At least 10 years working in a management or leadership capacity within the manufactured parts, automotive, industrial, or defense sector
- Experience in supplier management and contract negotiations
- Experience in forging and heat treating, metal forming, and/or part making operations
- Understanding of government contracting requirements and machining/part costing
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, a strong educational background and extensive experience in the manufacturing sector are crucial.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a senior management role in manufacturing, the estimated salary range for this position is $120,000 - $160,000 per year. This range may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: This role requires a standard workweek of 40 hours, with flexibility for occasional overtime as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Metallus is a manufacturing company specializing in producing clean steel for various industries, including industrial, automotive, aerospace and defense, and energy markets.
Company Size: Metallus has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized company. This size offers opportunities for career growth and a diverse work environment.
Founded: Metallus was founded over a century ago and has a rich history in the steel manufacturing industry.
Company Description:
- Metallus is an industry leader, manufacturing the cleanest steel in the world for companies in various markets
- The company is committed to innovation and exploring new possibilities for metal
- Metallus offers a collaborative work environment that values employee growth and development
Company Specialties:
- Steel manufacturing
- Material conversion and advancement
- Supplier management and contract performance
Company Website: http://www.metallus.com
ASSUMPTION: Metallus is committed to maintaining its position as an industry leader in steel manufacturing and values employees who can drive innovation and continuous improvement.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior management position, offering opportunities for strategic decision-making and leadership.
Reporting Structure: The Sr. Manager reports directly to the Vice President of Operations and oversees a team of commodity managers.
Work Arrangement: This role requires on-site work at the Canton, Ohio location. However, there may be opportunities for occasional remote work or travel to other Metallus facilities.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a director or vice president role within the operations or supply chain departments
- Expansion of responsibilities to include additional business units or product lines
- Opportunities to lead cross-functional projects or teams, driving strategic initiatives across the organization
ASSUMPTION: Given Metallus' commitment to employee growth and development, this role offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and skill-building.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Metallus' Canton, Ohio location is a manufacturing facility with an on-site office for administrative and management personnel.
Office Location(s): 1835 Dueber Ave SW, Canton, Ohio 44706, US
Geographic Context:
- Canton, Ohio is located in northeastern Ohio, approximately 60 miles south of Cleveland and 120 miles west of Pittsburgh
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and major metropolitan areas
- Canton is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and hosts various annual events, such as the Canton Festival of the Arts and the Canton Repository's annual holiday parade
Work Schedule: This role follows a standard Monday-Friday workweek, with occasional overtime as needed to meet business demands.
ASSUMPTION: Metallus' Canton, Ohio location offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the steel manufacturing industry.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- On-site interview with the hiring manager and other department members
- Final interview with the Vice President of Operations
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Industry knowledge and experience in supplier management and contract negotiations
- Cultural fit and alignment with Metallus' core values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the manufacturing industry and Metallus' business by conducting thorough research before the interview
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in supplier management, contract negotiations, and strategic planning
ATS Keywords: supplier management, contract negotiations, strategic planning, manufacturing, outsourcing, make vs. buy, component capabilities, long-term supply chain development, continuous improvement
ASSUMPTION: Metallus uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, so including relevant keywords from the job description can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SAP
- Maximo
- Long Length Outsourcing Purchasing Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily to manage supplier relationships, track performance, and drive continuous improvement.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: Metallus values employees who drive innovation and explore new possibilities for metal
- Collaboration: The company fosters a collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
- Integrity: Metallus is committed to maintaining high ethical standards and conducting business with honesty and transparency
Work Style:
- Strategic: This role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to make data-driven decisions
- Hands-on: The Sr. Manager is expected to work hands-on with their team and directly with suppliers to drive results
- Adaptable: Metallus values employees who can adapt to change and thrive in a dynamic work environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have experience driving strategic initiatives and making data-driven decisions in a manufacturing setting?
- Are you comfortable working hands-on with a team and directly with suppliers to achieve results?
- Do you thrive in a dynamic work environment and adapt easily to change?
ASSUMPTION: Metallus values employees who align with their core values and work style, as this fosters a positive and productive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse portfolio of suppliers with varying capabilities and performance levels
- Navigating complex global supply chains and ensuring compliance with quality, cost, and delivery requirements
- Balancing short-term tactical needs with long-term strategic goals
- Adapting to changes in the manufacturing industry and evolving customer needs
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, strategic planning, and adaptability to succeed in this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique to Metallus, as it combines strategic sourcing, supplier management, and long-term supply chain development responsibilities
- Compared to other manufacturing companies, Metallus places a strong emphasis on innovation and exploring new possibilities for metal
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding responsibilities to include additional business units or product lines, or advancing to a director or vice president role within the operations or supply chain departments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic initiatives and make a significant impact on Metallus' business growth and success.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic sourcing plan to optimize outsourced material conversion solutions for Metallus' MC and LL supply chains
- Leading a cross-functional team to identify market gaps, develop make vs. buy strategies, and adapt sourcing approaches to evolving customer needs
- Conducting a comprehensive review of Metallus' component capabilities and recommending enhancements to meet customer needs and market demand
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and hands-on nature of this role, requiring strong leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of Metallus' component capabilities and how this role will contribute to their enhancement?
- How does Metallus support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in senior management roles?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Material Conversion & Advancement department, and how can this role address them?
- How does Metallus collaborate with its suppliers to drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with quality, cost, and delivery requirements?
- What is the expected timeline for onboarding and ramping up in this role, and what resources will be available to support my success?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into Metallus' work environment and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in supplier management, contract negotiations, and strategic planning
- Research Metallus' business and industry to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
