Senior Manager of Material Planning & Operations

Pioneering in America, from the first mile to the last. This is what drives us! For more than 160 years, Siemens has been an integral provider of infrastructure, electrification, and transportation solutions in the United States. Automation’s impact on the railway industry is second only to the effects of digitalization. Combine them and the results are transformative! We work at the leading edge of this movement, applying our proven expertise in digitalization to rail infrastructure and automation.

Our innovative solutions deliver greater safety, punctuality, reliability, and sustainability across the line, all while reducing costs for mass transit and freight transportation systems. We are continuously developing new answers for rail automation - often to questions that haven’t been asked yet.

Position Overview: We are seeking a strategic Senior Manager of Material Planning & Operations who thrives in complex production environments and knows how to translate material readiness into operational success. In this highly visible leadership role, you will operate at the center of our production organization, driving alignment, execution, and results.

You will lead a team of Project Material Managers, setting strategies and direction to ensure material readiness for demanding production schedules while providing leadership with clear, real‑time material visibility. Acting as a trusted cross‑functional partner, you will collaborate closely with Engineering, Strategic Purchasing, Change Management, Order Management, Production, and Procurement to proactively manage risk, optimize inventory, and maintain smooth material flow.

This role is ideal for an experienced leader who excels in fast‑paced environments, builds strong partnerships, and consistently translates strategy into disciplined execution that enables predictable, efficient production performance.

What your day may look like:

• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of Material Project Managers, setting clear goals, expectations, and performance standards
• Drive material availability to meet production demand, providing accurate, timely, and transparent material status to production leadership
• Serve as the strategic leader for Project Materials, delivering world‑class supply chain and production support results
• Own and report key performance metrics including inventory projections, performance to plan, OTD, and Excess & Obsolete (E&O) analysis
• Establish and continuously improve supply chain planning practices, order release strategies, and planning parameters to optimize production efficiency
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Purchasing, Production, and Suppliers to resolve availability issues and ensure continuity of supply
• Develop and execute inventory strategies, analyzing demand variability and lead times to balance production needs with enterprise inventory objectives
• Proactively manage inventory levels, maintain KPI scorecards, and implement contingency plans to protect production flow
• Lead talent management activities including hiring, coaching, development, performance feedback, and corrective action
• Direct the annual budgeting and planning process for the Project Materials function
• Ensure compliance with Safety, ISO, and TL9000 standards while driving continuous improvement through metrics and cross‑departmental collaboration
• Drive initiatives to minimize excess materials by periodic left to buy analysis and driving PO cancelations for unneeded material.
• Work with Finance and Procurement Project Managers to analyze material budgets vs spend.
• Drive the integration and development of data analytics, robotics, or AI solutions to enhance efficiency and decision-making within materials management.

What you will need to be successful:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Materials Management, Procurement, Inventory Control, and Production Planning within a manufacturing environment, including people leadership
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate complex business and material data to diverse stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency in SAP MRP and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; proficient across MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience working in a rail manufacturing or comparable engineered product environment
• Working knowledge of ISO 9000 standards; TS16949 and/or AS9100 experience highly valued
• A confident, tenacious leadership style with strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proven ability to lead teams through ambiguity, solve complex problems, and apply advanced analytical thinking to develop innovative, practical solutions

We would be impressed if you had:

• Experience in Rail Manufacturing or heavy manufacturing of capital equipment.
• Master’s degree in supply chain, Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• APICS CSCP or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent advanced supply chain certification.
• 8+ years leadership managing a team or as an individual contributor manager.
• Previous experience with data analytics, robotics or AI solutions development.

Why you'll love working for Siemens!

• Freedom and healthy work-life balance- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, HSA/FSA, Commuter Benefits - starting Day 1!
• Solve the world's most significant problems - Be part of exciting and innovative projects.
• Engaging, challenging, and fast evolving, pioneering technological environment. Competitive total rewards package.
• Opportunities to contribute your innovative ideas and get paid for them! Please take advantage of our Tuition Reimbursement program, Mentor Programs, and your development through online learning.
• Employee perks and discounts in addition to our 401k match and generous Paid Time Off!

Siemens offers a variety of health and wellness benefits to employees. Details regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.benefitsquickstart.com/siemens/index.html.

The base salary range for this position in Sacramento, CA is $130,000 - $160,000 and the annual incentive target is 10% of the base salary. The actual wage offered may be lower or higher depending on budget and candidate experience, knowledge, skills, qualifications, and premium geographic location.

Join the growing team at our world-class train manufacturing facility in Sacramento, CA. Siemens Mobility, Rolling Stock Division is the North American market leader in the production of passenger locomotives and coaches, and light rail vehicles.

$130,000.00 $160,000.00 10%