Steel Purchasing Manager

Summary/Objective: Coordinates activities involved with purchasing production ready steel, supervises and directs the activities of Steel Expeditor(s), Inventory Specialist(s), and Inventory Coordinators engaged in expediting flow of steel within or between multiple plants. Coordinates with the Sales Team, Production Planner(s), and Manufacturing to ensure steel is received in a timely manner. 

Essential Functions: The list of duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Evaluates steel usage patterns relying on historical data, customer forecasts, sales trends, and production schedules (among other variables) to determine appropriate steel mills and/or vendor supply contracts sometimes in coordination with Steel Warehouse.
• Negotiates contract pricing and duration period(s) with steel mills and/or vendor contacts. 
• Maintains sufficient master coil and slit coil inventory levels, according to established inventory goals, to support continuous production operations.
• Maintains detailed, accurate records related to steel purchases, inventory levels, cost, location, ownership, age, etc.
• Directs and supports the activities of the Steel Expeditor(s), Inventory Specialist(s) and Inventory Coordinator(s) in the review of buy reports, blues, and production schedules, in order to ensure appropriate steel purchase quantity and timing of steel receiving.
• Maintains a roster of qualified service center vendors and ensures vendors maintain the necessary Quality Certification(s).
• Evaluates the performance of vendors and takes appropriate action for poor vendor performance.
• Supervises Request For Quote (RFQ) process for purchases made in the spot market.
• Evaluates quotes for competitive pricing, adherence to specifications, and timing.
• Visits vendor locations to evaluate vendor capabilities.
• Directs the Inventory Specialist(s) in the dispositioning of steel quality defects and approves corrective action(s).
• Maintains positive, productive relationships with other department leaders and staff and works to proactively address internal conflict.
• Maintains positive relationships with industry representatives and leaders and attends industry functions where appropriate.
• Stays informed of industry trends, market dynamics, steel mill and service center activities, and uses this knowledge to inform business decisions and direct personnel.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages the Steel Purchasing Department and personnel. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving conflicts.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be in an office setting with occasional trips to the shop floor. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus from close vision to distance vision.

Required Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (BA) from four-year college or university; or three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience 

• Experience with office computer software required, including demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite software packages such as: Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Effective analytical skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills
• Effective organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to be detail-oriented
• Ability to operate a variety of standard business machines such as: computer, keyboard, calculator, fax, and photocopier
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Willingness to travel.