What Does a Material Coordinator Do?

The role of a material coordinator is one that requires attention to detail and an eye for quality. They are responsible for managing the flow of materials through their company’s supply chain, ensuring that all products are delivered on time and in good condition.

Material coordinators may also be tasked with maintaining records of all incoming and outgoing shipments. This includes tracking which items were shipped when, where they came from, and where they went.

Material Coordinator Job Duties

Material coordinators have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Monitoring inventory levels of materials to ensure that they are adequate to meet demand
• Coordinating with vendors to arrange delivery of materials to the job site
• Communicating with construction supervisors and project managers about any delays in deliveries or other issues that may impact the project schedule
• Assigning materials to work crews for use in construction projects, such as lumber for framing or sheetrock for walls
• Communicating with architects or engineers about material requirements for specific projects
• Maintaining records of all materials used on a project, including information about supplier deliveries and costs
• Ordering materials from suppliers when necessary to meet deadlines or ensure sufficient supply
• Coordinating with shipping companies to arrange delivery of materials to the job site
• Providing materials to workers onsite who are performing construction tasks, such as bricklayers or carpenters

Material Coordinator Salary & Outlook

The salary of a material coordinator can vary depending on their level of experience, the size of the company they work for, and the location of the job. Material coordinators who work in manufacturing typically earn more than those who work in construction or other industries.

• Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $60,500 ($29.09/hour)

The employment of material coordinators is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Demand for these workers depends on the types and quantities of materials needed by their employers. As companies continue to automate processes, fewer material coordinators will be needed to oversee equipment and supplies. However, automation also may lead to greater demand for these workers as companies seek ways to improve productivity.

Related: Material Coordinator Interview Questions and Answers

Material Coordinator Job Requirements

There are several qualifications required to obtain a position as a material coordinator. They include:

Education: Entry-level material coordinators are typically required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as logistics, supply chain management or business administration. Some employers may also require candidates to have completed coursework in computer programs, such as spreadsheets and word processing.

Training & Experience: Most employers will require candidates to have at least two years of experience in a related role. Some employers may prefer candidates who have at least five years of experience.

On-the-job training is often part of the first few weeks of employment. This training may include learning the company’s specific procedures and computer programs.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications provide proof of a professional’s qualifications to current and future employers. Material coordinators can earn certifications to gain more practical knowledge of their daily responsibilities, test their professional skills and advance their careers.

Material Coordinator Skills

Material coordinators need the following skills in order to be successful:

Inventory management: Inventory management is the ability to track and maintain the supply of materials. This is an important skill for a materials coordinator because it ensures that the right materials are available when needed. It’s also important to track the materials to ensure they’re being used efficiently.

Communication: Communication is another essential skill for a materials coordinator. You may be responsible for relaying information to suppliers, managers and other team members. You may also be responsible for communicating any issues that arise and finding solutions.

Time management: Time management is another skill that can be useful for a materials coordinator. This is because they often have multiple projects going on at the same time and need to ensure that they have the right materials for each project at the right time. This can include planning ahead to ensure that they have the right materials on hand when a project is ready to be completed.

Organization: Organization is another important skill for a materials coordinator. This is because the materials coordinator is responsible for keeping track of all the materials in the warehouse. They may also be responsible for ordering new materials and keeping track of those orders.

Problem-solving: As a materials coordinator, you may be responsible for ensuring that all of the materials needed for a project are available. This may include finding substitutes for materials that are out of stock or finding ways to reduce costs. Being able to solve problems is an important skill for a materials coordinator to have.

Material Coordinator Work Environment

Material coordinators work in a variety of settings, including warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants. They may be required to lift heavy boxes and containers and to stand for long periods of time. They may work in noisy and dusty environments and be exposed to fumes from chemicals and other materials. Some material coordinators work in office settings, where they use computers to track inventory and to prepare reports. They typically work regular business hours, although they may be required to work overtime during busy periods.

Material Coordinator Trends

Here are three trends influencing how material coordinators work. Material coordinators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of 3D Printing

The growth of 3D printing is a trend that is quickly changing the manufacturing industry. This technology allows for products to be printed in three dimensions, which can reduce the need for traditional manufacturing methods.

As 3D printing becomes more popular, material coordinators will need to learn how to manage and organize materials for printing. They will also need to be familiar with the different types of materials that are used in this process.

More Collaboration Between Supply Chain and Logistics Teams

The trend of increased collaboration between supply chain and logistics teams is becoming increasingly common as businesses strive to improve their efficiency. This means that material coordinators will need to be able to work well with other departments in order to ensure that materials are delivered on time and in the correct quantities.

In addition, material coordinators will need to be able to manage inventory levels and plan for future needs. This requires a deep understanding of the company’s business model and where it is headed in the future.

Greater Focus on Sustainability

Businesses are increasingly focusing on sustainability as a way to reduce costs and become more environmentally friendly. This is leading to an increased demand for material coordinators who can help manage inventory and track down hard-to-find items.

Material coordinators can capitalize on this trend by developing skills in sourcing and procurement. By doing so, they can help businesses find the products they need while also helping them to be more sustainable.

How to Become a Material Coordinator

A career as a material coordinator can be both rewarding and lucrative. It’s important to start off on the right foot by getting the necessary training and certifications. You should also stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry so that you can offer your customers the best possible service.

To become a successful material coordinator, you need to have excellent organizational skills, be able to work under pressure, and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. You must also be able to work well with people from all walks of life.

Advancement Prospects

There are many ways to advance in the field of material coordination, but one of the best is to get further education and training. With an advanced degree, material coordinators can apply for positions that are not otherwise open to them, such as research, teaching, or management positions. Additionally, further education can lead to specialty certification, which can make material coordinators more marketable and qualified for certain positions.

Another way to advance in this field is to gain experience. With more experience, material coordinators can move up to more senior positions, such as lead coordinator or department head. Additionally, those with strong computer skills can move into other computer-related positions.

Material Coordinator Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we are in the business of making dreams come true. We build the homes that families will make memories in for generations. We are currently seeking a Material Coordinator to join our team. The Material Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and management of all construction materials from the time of order to delivery on site. This includes working with vendors, suppliers, and freight companies to ensure timely and accurate delivery of all materials. The Material Coordinator will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all materials, including quantity, quality, and cost. This is a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our construction projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date records of all materials in stock, including location, quantity, and status
• Monitor inventory levels and restock as needed to ensure that production can continue uninterrupted
• Work with suppliers to coordinate the delivery of new materials as needed
• Inspect incoming shipments for damage or discrepancies and report any issues to the supplier
• Keep track of material costs and budget for future purchases
• Investigate cost-saving opportunities for materials and equipment
• Prepare reports on material usage and inventory levels
• Assist in the development and implementation of new inventory management procedures
• Train new employees on proper materials handling and storage
• Enforce safety regulations when handling and storing materials
• Respond to customer inquiries about product availability and lead times
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure that materials are delivered to the correct location in a timely manner

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, or related field
• 5+ years proven experience in materials management, supply chain, or similar role
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with SAP or other enterprise resource planning software
• Certification in supply chain management or related field
• Lean Six Sigma certification
• Project management experience