Purchasing Associate 1

Reliance Metalcenter; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Reliance Metalcenter is seeking a Purchasing Agent/Buyer to source, procure, and manage inventory for structural steel, plate and related metal products. You will optimize inventory levels, secure competitive pricing, and ensure timely delivery while fostering strong vendor relations.

Ideal candidates have 15+ years in metal procurement, deep steel knowledge, and proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Excel. On-site role with cross-functional collaboration across sales, warehouse, and logistics.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of purchasing or procurement experience in steel/metal industries.
• Strong understanding of steel grades, shapes, plate nesting, and metal processing terminology.
• Advanced skills in calculating weights, dimensions, pricing conversions (cwt/tons), and inventory turns.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel for data analysis and inventory tracking.

Responsibilities

• 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 and tonnage pricing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with mills, service centers, and processors; evaluate vendor performance.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Steel knowledge

Inventory management

Vendor negotiation

ERP/MRP proficiency

Excel analytics

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 strong 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 JobSedentary 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 occasionally, 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.

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