Job Description

The Buyer will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and purchasing steel (principally plate) from new and existing suppliers for the company. The Buyer requires critical thinking, excellent negotiation skills, and strong face-to-face, telephone, and electronic communication skills. This position also requires the ability to learn price and cost structures, logistics, scrap metal, and other factors affecting pricing and trends. The Buyer will report to the Plate Product Manager and will be responsible for managing and maintaining good relations with vendors customers and others.

Responsibilities

• Purchase discrete plate for central regional branches (Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia markets)
• Monitor inventory levels, discuss stock items and inventory buys with branch managers
• Maintain and adjust inventory levels as necessary through sales & purchasing
• Communicate with salespeople on the replacement cost of inventory
• Review and advise on sales inquiries
• Obtain mill quotes on large sales inquiries (and place purchase orders as necessary)
• Purchase floor plate coils for our temper mill
• Review & approve/deny plate transfer requests
• Communicate with operations teams regarding pickups, deliveries, MTRs, BOLs, etc.
• Working with Import Logistics Coordinator to bring in foreign material from the port of Houston
• Receive inquiries and discuss pricing with some of the company’s biggest accounts (as needed and requested by the Plate Product Manager)
• Monitor & communicate contract pricing with customers as needed

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant field is required.
• Two to four years of related experience required.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office; working knowledge of purchasing software is a plus
• Familiarity with market research, data analysis and forecasting techniques is a plus

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies:

• Basic understanding of micro- and macroeconomic trends influencing purchasing decisions.
• Excellent attention to detail, solid organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, good judgement, and analytical ability.
• Computer literate with excel/word proficiency.
• Carbon structural, plate, hot rolled, tubing product/producer knowledge is a plus.
• Works with integrity, ethically and maintains confidentiality; Upholds organizational values.
• Bilingual- Spanish is a plus.
• High proficiency in multi-tasking, communication, and strong work ethic.
• Treats all individuals with respect, regardless of role or status.

Working Conditions:

• This position is 100% on-site.