Company: Industrial Manufacturer
Job Title: Senior Buyer - Metals
Location: Greater Youngstown Ohio Area
Reports to: Supply Chain Manager / Director of Procurement
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Buyer - Metals to lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives within our metals category portfolio. This role will drive strategic sourcing activities, risk mitigation, and vendor management to secure consistent supply, drive cost savings, and a strong supplier base for all metal-related commodities. The ideal candidate brings expertise in metal commodities, excels in building supplier relationships, and thrives on optimizing procurement processes for efficiency and resilience.
Key Responsibilities:
End-to-End Sourcing & Procurement
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for metal commodities, including steel, aluminum, and specialty alloys.
- Analyze market trends to anticipate price changes, supply challenges, and demand shifts that may impact the sourcing strategy.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to determine metal requirements, forecast demand, and ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing.
Risk Mitigation & Supplier Diversification
- Assess supply chain risks and implement proactive strategies to mitigate disruptions, including multi-sourcing and alternative material sourcing.
- Identify and qualify new suppliers in alignment with cost, quality, and supply continuity objectives.
- Lead supplier negotiations, establish long-term contracts, and monitor supplier performance to minimize supply chain risk and ensure competitive pricing.
Vendor Relationship Management
- Cultivate and manage relationships with key metal suppliers, ensuring open communication, timely delivery, and adherence to quality standards.
- Develop and execute vendor performance metrics to evaluate and continuously improve supplier contributions.
- Collaborate with suppliers on joint initiatives to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in sourcing.
Cost Optimization & Budget Management
- Analyze and optimize total cost of ownership for metal purchases, balancing short- and long-term cost objectives.
- Lead efforts to achieve cost reduction targets through strategic negotiations, volume consolidation, and supply chain improvements.
- Collaborate with finance to develop, track, and manage the metals procurement budget.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Utilize market intelligence and data analytics to support decision-making and provide strategic insights on metals sourcing.
- Prepare regular reports on supplier performance, market conditions, and procurement progress, highlighting opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor key metrics, such as cost savings, on-time delivery, and quality issues, to ensure alignment with company objectives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field. Advanced degree or CPM/CSCP certification preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, with specific expertise in metals.
- Strong understanding of the metals supply market, including steel, aluminum, and other alloys.
- Proven experience in vendor management, negotiation, and contract management.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of building strong supplier relationships.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and MS Office Suite; experience with sourcing platforms is a plus.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, driving the critical sourcing of metals that support our company’s manufacturing and production needs. Join us as we innovate and streamline our supply chain for sustainability, resilience, and long-term success.
