The Raw Material (steel) buyer is responsible for the procurement and coordinating the supply of all raw materials used in production. This role involves developing and implementing strategic buying plans to secure the best pricing, ensure material availability, and maintain strong supplier relationships. The Raw Material Buyer will collaborate with internal teams to forecast material needs, negotiate contracts, and monitor market trends to optimize purchasing decisions. Building long-term partnerships with suppliers while ensuring cost efficiency and quality are key to the success of this position.
Responsibilities
· Develop and Implement Purchasing Strategies: Create and execute strategic procurement plans to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of raw materials. Align purchasing strategies with business objectives to meet production goals.
· Build and Maintain Vendor Relationships: Establish and nurture strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and contracts. Ensure reliable sourcing of raw material by fostering long-term partnerships.
· Maintain Accurate Purchasing Records: Keep detailed records of purchasing activities, including purchase orders, contracts, pricing agreements, and supplier performance evaluations. Ensure records are up-to-date and accessible for audits and decision-making.
· Prepare and Process Purchase Orders: Issue and manage purchase orders based on material requirements, ensuring accuracy and timely processing. Monitor orders to ensure timely delivery of materials in line with production schedules.
· Negotiate Prices and Contracts: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure the best prices and terms, balancing cost savings with quality and reliability. Work to reduce material costs while ensuring consistent supply.
Ensure Products Meet Quality Specifications: Collaborate with the quality control team to ensure all purchased materials meet required specifications and standards. Address any issues related to material quality with suppliers.
· Collaborate Across Departments: Work closely with production, logistics, and corporate planning teams to determine material requirements, inventory levels, and timelines. Ensure raw materials align with production schedules and project objectives.
· Coordinate Disposal of Surplus Materials: Oversee the disposal or removal of excess or obsolete materials, ensuring compliance with company policies and environmental regulations. Identify opportunities to repurpose or sell surplus materials.
· Prepare and Present Market Reports: Analyze and report on market trends, supplier performance, material availability, and cost fluctuations. Provide regular updates to leadership on market conditions and their potential impact on purchasing strategies.
· Liaise Between Departments for Material Timelines: Serve as a communication bridge between departments to coordinate material needs and delivery timelines. Ensure materials arrive in alignment with production schedules to avoid disruptions.
Required Education and Experience
· Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
· Professional certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or other relevant certifications are preferred but not mandatory
· 2-3 years’ experience as a purchasing manager or agent
· Proven track record of developing and implementing successful purchasing strategies
· Experience in negotiating contracts and building relationships with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and reliable supply
· Strong analytical background in forecasting, inventory management, and costing
· Experience working with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, logistics, quality control) to align material procurement with company objectives
· Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and other supply chain management tools
· Experience in reporting on key performance metrics
Required Skills/Abilities
· Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to negotiate contracts, prices, and terms with suppliers while balancing cost, quality, and delivery timelines.
· Strategic Thinking: Capable of developing and implementing long-term purchasing strategies that align with the company’s production and financial goals.
Vendor Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent material quality and availability.
· Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess market trends, monitor supplier performance, and forecast material requirements.
· Project Management: Excellent organizational and project management skills to handle multiple purchasing initiatives, timelines, and priorities.
· Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to identify supply chain risks and challenges and develop proactive solutions to ensure uninterrupted material flow.
· Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including production, quality control, logistics, and finance.
· Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail to manage accurate records, track purchase orders, and ensure materials meet quality specifications.
· Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with internal departments, suppliers, and management effectively.
· Time Management: Ability to manage tight deadlines, coordinate timelines, and prioritize tasks to meet production and business goals.
· Financial Acumen: Knowledge of cost analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure procurement aligns with company cost-saving objectives.
Work Environment
Office and on the shop floor
Physical Demands
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Days of work are Monday through Friday.
Overtime when necessary.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
