Scrap Metal Buyer

Sims Metal; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Limited in Houston is seeking an experienced scrap metal buyer to lead the procurement of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. You will price materials, coordinate transportation, source scrap, and maintain critical supplier relationships.

You will negotiate terms and assist in related commercial activities to optimize profitability. The ideal candidate is outgoing, highly organized, and self-directed with at least three years in scrap metal buying or trading, and comfortable visiting industrial

Qualifications

• Three or more years of scrap metal buying or trading experience.
• Experience in the scrap business, preferably as a buyer.
• Ability to work independently and plan territory.
• Willingness to visit job sites, yards, and facilities.
• Solid understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Responsibilities

• Represent Sims Metal in acquiring scrap metal, pricing materials and coordinating transport.
• Source scrap material, negotiate terms, and maintain supplier relationships.
• Assist Commercial Managers with quality inspections and payment processes.
• Coordinate with operations and transportation teams for logistics.
• Develop partnerships with industrial accounts and contractors.

Skills

MS Office

Team player

Verbal & written communication

Cold-calling

Driver’s license

Negotiation

Steel scrap

Tools

None

Job description

Sims Limited is a global leader in metal recycling and providing circular solutions for technology. Employing over 4,000 employees globally, the company operates more than 155 facilities across key regions like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. We supply recycled and re-purposed raw material products and components to our customers, strengthening their supply chains with competitive, high-quality inputs while enabling them to reduce the energy and emissions intensity of their products and services.

Job Summary

• We are seeking an "experienced" scrap metal buyer.
• Prior scrap metal buyer or scrap metal trader experience is a MUST.

Represent the Sims Metal division in acquiring scrap metal, including pricing of material, pricing and coordinating transportation, sourcing of scrap material, communicating with vendors, maintaining business relationships, negotiating payment terms, negotiating specification of materials, visiting suppliers, and coordinating with appropriate parties. Assist in special projects as required.

This role drives inbound material flow by developing strong partnerships with industrial accounts, demolition contractors, dealers, and other suppliers. The ideal candidate is outgoing, highly organized, self-directed, and experienced in metals recycling.

Principal Accountabilities

Customer Relations & Retention

• Build and maintain relationships with new and existing suppliers to secure steady ferrous and non-ferrous flows.
• Oversee customer interactions and retention efforts at the facility.
• Greet customers, analyze scrap materials, and authorize pricing overrides when appropriate.
• Ensure all suppliers receive a high-quality customer experience.
• Resolve customer complaints and concerns.
• Maintain and update facility scoreboards used for customer communication.
• Conduct supplier surveys to gather feedback and improve services.
• Coordinate customer appreciation events.
• Identify new purchasing opportunities through site visits, cold calls, and industry networking.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts aligned with market conditions and profitability goals.
• Support Commercial Managers in meeting supplier needs, including quality inspections and payment processes.
• Work with operations staff on grading and quality of incoming materials.
• Collaborate with operations and transportation teams to ensure efficient handling and logistics.
• Exercise independent judgment when approving downgrades.
• Respond to inbound commercial calls and quote requests promptly, ensuring backup coverage when unavailable.
• Cold-call potential suppliers and maintain a tracking database of outreach results.
• Establish new supplier accounts through site visits, quoting, and transportation coordination.
• Transition large, long-term accounts to Commercial Managers once established.
• Provide accurate grading, scale tickets, and settlement information to suppliers upon request.
• Plan and execute marketing, outreach, and customer retention programs.
• Lead implementation of the Scrap Acceptance Policy/Agreement at the facility.

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay current on federal, state, and local regulations related to scrap metal recycling.
• Ensure applicable regulations are implemented at the facility.
• Gather and analyze market data on pricing trends, local projects, and supply availability.
• Assist in responses to RFBs and RFPs for inbound materials.
• Produce weekly Facility Reports on buy performance versus targets.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier profiles.

General Responsibilities

• Report weekly activities and schedules to the supervisor to align with objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

• Three or more years of demonstrated "scrap metal" buying or trading experience.
• Three or more years of experience in the scrap business, preferably as a buyer.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage territory planning.
• Comfortable visiting job sites, machine shops, yards, and industrial facilities.
• Solid understanding of basic ferrous and non-ferrous metal categories.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency with MS Office
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong cold-calling and follow-up skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong people skills with the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
• Comfortable with both in-person and phone communication.
• Negotiation & Sales - Proven ability to negotiate scrap material purchases.
• Experience working with steel scrap dealers to secure timely, cost-effective deliveries.

Sims Limited is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. The company does not discriminate regarding race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Qualified applicants with a disability needing a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

To learn more about Sims Limited, please visit www.simsltd.com for more information on Sims and its commitment to sustainability.