Buyer

Lapham Hickey; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lapham-Hickey Steel in Illinois seeks a Buyer to source, negotiate, and purchase raw materials and services for steel manufacturing. You will ensure materials arrive on time, balance cost with quality, and build strong supplier relationships to support production schedules.

This role requires 3–5+ years in purchasing, ERP/MRP proficiency, and strong negotiation and analytical skills. Monday to Friday, 8a–4p, on-site at our Illinois facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Manufacturing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in steel manufacturing, metals, or industrial manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Knowledge of steel products, raw materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase raw materials such as steel coils, scrap metal, alloys, and manufacturing supplies.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, delivery schedules, and payment terms with suppliers.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate purchases to support uninterrupted production.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, cost, and delivery reliability.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, and warehouse teams to determine purchasing requirements.
• Issue purchase orders and track order status to ensure timely delivery.
• Resolve supplier issues related to quality, shortages, or delivery delays.
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing suppliers.
• Participate in supplier audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Excel

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related

Tools

ERP/MRP systems (SAP/Oracle/MS Dynamics)

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Join Lapham-Hickey Steel – A Tradition of Excellence, Innovation, and Opportunity.

Lapham-Hickey Steel is a family-owned, industry-leading steel service center with a legacy of almost 100 years in manufacturing and steel processing. With locations across the U.S., including Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia, we are committed to delivering high-quality steel products while fostering a culture of growth, teamwork, and innovation.

At Lapham-Hickey, we invest in our people, offering competitive benefits, career development opportunities, and a supportive environment where employees can thrive. Whether you're looking to start or advance your career in manufacturing, engineering, sales, or operations, we provide the tools and resources to help you succeed. Join us and be part of a company that values integrity, customer commitment, and continuous improvement. Your future in steel starts here!

Job Summary:

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing raw materials, equipment, and services required for steel manufacturing operations. This role ensures materials are available on time, at the best value, and meet quality standards while maintaining strong supplier relationships and supporting production schedules.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient procurement of materials that support production goals, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality standards at Lapham-Hickey Steel Corp.

Key Responsibilities:

• Source and purchase raw materials such as steel coils, scrap metal, alloys, and manufacturing supplies.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, delivery schedules, and payment terms with suppliers.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate purchases to support uninterrupted production.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, cost, and delivery reliability.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, and warehouse teams to determine purchasing requirements.
• Issue purchase orders and track order status to ensure timely delivery.
• Resolve supplier issues related to quality, shortages, or delivery delays.
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing suppliers.
• Participate in supplier audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Manufacturing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in steel manufacturing, metals, or industrial manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Knowledge of steel products, raw materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• APICS, CPSM, or CPSD certification.
• Experience with strategic sourcing and contract management.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.

Key Competencies:

• Negotiation and purchasing expertise
• Supply chain management
• Cost analysis and budgeting
• Vendor relationship management
• Inventory planning
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Decision-making
• Team collaboration
• Ethical business practices

Monday - Friday
8a - 4p