Director of Materials Management - School of Dental Medicine

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) offers one of the most forward-looking educational environments in dental medicine in the country. Since its founding in 1868, TUSDM has been committed to leadership in education, patient care, research, and community service. Students obtain an interdisciplinary education, integrated with medicine, with access to training in dental specialties. Clinics managed at TUSDM provide quality comprehensive care to more than 20,000 individuals annually. Nationally and internationally, the school promotes health and educational programs and research new procedures, materials, and technologies to improve oral health.

This role is a direct backfill within an established materials management operation and offers the opportunity to further strengthen efficiency, structure, and operational discipline.

The Director of Materials Management is primarily responsible for leading and directing all facets of the School of Dental Medicine's (TUSDM) operational supply chain management including, but not limited to purchasing, logistics, inventory management, equipment management, material forecasting, and inventory control. The Director will be responsible for strategic planning of the materials management program to ensure the highest quality materials are available as needed and at the lowest possible cost, while establishing and maintaining bestpractice policies in materials management. This individual will be accountable for implementing and enforcing these policies across the school.

The Director of Materials Management will lead a team of individuals that will support materials management across the school and be responsible for directing these individuals in the day-to-day responsibilities and will coordinate with the Assistant Materials and Dispensary Managers to serve as the second-line resource for the staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Plans, manages, and coordinates daily activities related to the sourcing and procurement of necessary materials and supplies needed to meet the changing levels of product demand. Responsible for leading semi-annual inventory counts of clinic materials across the school.
• Analyzes supply chain data, resolves any issues, and recommends alternative practices. Provides reports as needed and supports the budgeting process. Supports proper utilization of ERP systems.
• Manages assigned staff establishing goals, coaching, and assessing performance, and ensuring individual development.
• Develops and maintains strong vendor relationships. Manages and monitors vendor qualifications and performance to ensure they meet company requirements.
• Communicates and negotiates with suppliers and vendors to ensure product quality, timely delivery, and cost reduction. Manages and maintains all current and future vendor contracts.
• Manages and minimizes risks that could affect or interrupt the management of material and logistical activities
• Chairs the Materials Committee and participates in the coordination of engineering changes, product line extensions, or new product launches and aids in assuring orderly and timely transition of those products or equipment.
• Works with Purchasing and School Leadership to develop current and long-term forecast projections to drive production and inventory planning goals. Will be a member of various clinic committees and task forces that require expertise in materials and materials management.
• Collaborates effectively with other departments and school faculty.

Application Instructions:

In addition to a resume, please submit a brief cover letter highlighting your handson experience leading supply chain operations. We encourage you to address your experience with inventory management, procurement, distribution workflows, vendor management, and process improvement, as well as examples of how you have driven operational efficiencies and/or cost savings in complex or regulated environments.

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in supply chain or materials management, with responsibility for managing $7M-$10M in inventory
• Demonstrated handson experience overseeing inventory management, procurement, storeroom and distribution operations, vendor management, and process improvement
• Proficiency with ERP and/or materials management systems
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in materials or supply chain management within the healthcare industry or a similarly regulated environment
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field
• Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) certification or a similar professional supply chain credential
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational efficiency and cost savings