Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent in the steel industry centers on mitigating high material costs, managing volatility, and ensuring uninterrupted production through strategic sourcing using the ERP/MRP system and other internal tools. Purchasing agents are also responsible for the outsourcing of all rolled, bent, cut and/or drilled plate as well as other produced material to fulfill production requirements.

Core Responsibilities:

• Procurement and Supplier Management
• Sourcing materials
• Negotiating contracts
• Managing supplier relationships
• Monitoring performance
• Budget cost controls
• Obtain and compare quotes from mills, service centers and distributors
• Evaluate suppliers based on price, availability lead time and quality
• Purchase all materials to schedule, special requirements, location, and budget
• Review material and determine best nested requirement and buy materials
• Accurately process purchase orders in a timely manner
• Stays knowledgeable on all current market conditions and adjusts buying patterns accordingly
• Inventory Control
• Monitor stock
• Forecast demand
• Minimize costs
• Coordinate with production to prevent shortages/overstocking
• Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) strategies as appropriate
• Track material usage and waste
• Logistics and Delivery Coordination
• Schedule deliveries to align with fabrication timelines
• Arrange freight and transportation as/if needed
• Track shipments and resolve delays
• Purchase Order (PO) Management
• Create and issue purchase orders
• Verify accuracy of quantity specifications and delivery dates
• Ensure compliance with specifications
• Reconcile and approve invoices against purchase orders and received materials
• Coordination with Project Management, Production Planning, Production, and Field
• Clarify material grades and certifications meet ASTM standards
• Communicate lead times to all internal departments
• Support change orders and material revisions
• Provide purchasing schedule for each project to internal departments
• Offers technical assistance on specific product(s)
• Risk Management
• Anticipate supply chain disruptions
• Develop backup suppliers for critical materials
• Manage contract risks and terms
• Quality and compliance
• Ensure materials meet required specifications
• Obtain mill test reports (MTRs)
• Resolve material discrepancies or defects with suppliers
• Process Improvement
• Analyze supply chain data, identify bottlenecks, and develop strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
• Develop and implement new strategies and workflows for procurement, inventory, and logistics
• Optimize the entire flow of goods and services from sourcing to delivery

Required qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) to perform essential functions of this position:

Core Competencies:

• Action Oriented
• Timely Decision Making
• Time Management
• Integrity and Trust
• Functional/Technical Skill
• Written Communication
• Business Acumen
• Conflict Management
• Customer Focus
• Decision Quality
• Planning
• Priority Setting
• Problem Solving

Work Experience Minimum of five (5) years directly related purchasing experience in the steel fabrication business. Education/Training High school diploma or equivalent experience or education directly related to procurement.

Specialized Knowledge Certificates & Licenses As outlined in the Core Competencies, an individual must have thorough knowledge and an advanced understanding of each competency outlined above in order to carry out the essential functions of this position. Specialized Knowledge is also required in the following areas: Demonstrated knowledge of basic business and purchasing principles; Basic knowledge and understanding of steel construction in terms of required materials; General understanding of Advanced Bill of Materials, Bill of ladings, and Purchase Order Processing; strong knowledge of raw materials, steel mills and distribution partners Complete understanding of mill buying parameters Understands and follows all SOX related buying requirements Understand and adhere to LEED/EPD as appropriate Software & Technology Position will require the frequent use of MS Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and Blue Beam PDF Software, Oracle Work Environment Position requires as many hours needed to fulfill the daily and weekly obligations required to carry out the functions. Working long days including evenings and weekends can be required for this position. This position is indoors and may sit for long periods of eight (8) hours or more per day. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request for those who have disabilities that qualify under the American with Disabilities Act. Schuff Steel Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.