Junior Raw Materials Buyer

Agile Premier; Madison (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Raw Steel Material Buyer to optimize procurement processes. In this full-time role, you will develop strategic buying plans, negotiate contracts, and ensure material availability while maintaining strong supplier relationships. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast material needs and monitor market trends, ensuring cost efficiency and quality. This position offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions will significantly impact production and supply chain efficiency. If you have a passion for strategic purchasing and supplier management, this opportunity is tailor-made for you.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in purchasing management or agent roles.
• Strong analytical background in forecasting and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic buying plans for raw materials.
• Negotiate contracts and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Strategic Thinking

Vendor Relationship Management

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Problem-Solving Abilities

Collaboration

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Time Management

Financial Acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management

Professional certifications (CSCP, CPM)

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Supply chain management tools

Job description

The Raw Steel Material 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.

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.

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.

Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Distribution, Purchasing, and Manufacturing

Industries: Manufacturing, Building Construction, and Retail Building Materials and Garden Equipment