Purchasing Associate 1

Reliance, Inc.; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Reliance, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Purchasing Agent/Buyer to source and procure structural steel products, plates and related materials.

You will manage inventory levels, negotiate pricing, and maintain strong vendor relationships to support warehouse operations and customer demand. You will analyze material yields, nesting layouts, pricing metrics (cwt, cft, tonnage) and work closely with sales and logistics to ensure timely deliveries and cost efficiency in a dynamic metal distribution

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years purchasing or procurement experience in steel/metal sectors.
• Strong knowledge of steel grades, shapes and plate nesting terminology.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate and procure raw materials to maintain optimal inventory.
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts, pricing and delivery terms.
• Coordinate with sales, warehouse, and logistics to forecast stock needs.
• Review material test reports and ensure compliance with specs and standards.
• Track POs, resolve shipping discrepancies and monitor orders.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor relationships

Communication

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

The Purchasing Agent/Buyer is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and managing inventory for structural streel, carbon steel, plates and related metal products. This role ensures optimal inventory levels, competitive pricing, and timely delivery to support warehouse operations and customer demand, while maintaining stron vendor relationships across the metal fabrication and distribution sectors

Physical Requirements

Walk(Move, Traverse), Stand or Sit(Stationary position), Use hand/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position), Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse), Stoop, kneel, crouch, or Crawl(Position self(to), Move), Talk/hear(Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information), See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess), Pushing or Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion

Function in the Job

Sedentary Work- Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionaly, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Job Function

Inventory & Material Procurement:

• Source, negotiate and purchase raw materials including structural steel shapes, plate, sheet, and bar stock to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Calculate material yields, plate nesting layouts, and stock lengths to ensure cost-effective purchasing and minimal scrap.
• Convert pricing metrics accurately, including hundredweight (cwt), cubic feet (cft) and tonnage pricing.

Supplier & Vendor Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic steel mills, service centers, and processors.
• Evaluate vendor performance regarding on-time delivery, quality compliance, and pricing competitiveness.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, volume discounts, and payment terms

Operational & Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Partner closely with sales, warehouse operations, and logistics teams to anticipate stock needs and track incoming shipments.
• Review material test reports (MTRs) and quality documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.
• Manage purchase orders (Pos), track open orders, and resolve shipping discrepancies, delays, or quality rejections with suppliers.

Market Analysis & Cost Control:

• Monitor metal market trends, pricing fluctuations, and industry indicators (e.g., scrap pricing, mill lead times) to make strategic buying decisions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising material quality or delivery schedules.

Required Skills

Experience: Minimum of 15 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably within the steel, metal distribution, industrial, or heavy manufacturing sector.

Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of steel grades, shapes, plate nesting, and metal processing terminology.

Analytical Skills: Advanced proficiency in calculating weights, dimensions, pricing conversions (cwt/tons), and managing inventory turns.

Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP/MRP systems (such as those used in metals service centers) and advanced Excel skills for data analysis and inventory tracking.

Communication: Excellent negotiation, verbal, and written communication skills with a proven ability to build strong vendor relationships.

EEO Statement

Reliance, Inc. IS A DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT EEO/DISABILITY/VETERAN