Steel Purchasing Manager

Lock Joint Tube Llc; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lock Joint Tube LLC is seeking a Steel Purchasing Supervisor to coordinate buying production-ready steel and direct expeditors, inventory specialists, and coordinators. You will work with sales, planning, and manufacturing to ensure timely steel receipt and adequate stock for uninterrupted production.

Ideal candidates have a BA degree or 3–5 years related experience, strong MS Office skills, and proven analytical and communication abilities. Travel to supplier sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience with MS Office including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Strong analytical and numeric abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good interpersonal and customer service abilities.
• Organizational and prioritization skills.
• Detail-oriented with accuracy in records and data.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate steel usage patterns using historical data, forecasts, and schedules.
• Negotiate contract pricing and terms with mills and vendors.
• Maintain inventory levels to support production operations.
• Keep detailed records of purchases, inventory, costs, and locations.
• Guide and support expeditors and inventory staff in reviewing reports and schedules.
• Maintain vendor qualification rosters and assess performance.
• Oversee RFQ processes for spot market purchases and evaluate quotes.
• Visit vendor locations to assess capabilities and compliance.
• Direct disposition of steel quality defects and approve corrective actions.
• Liaise with other departments and industry stakeholders to inform decisions.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Problem solving

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Summary/Objective:

Coordinates activities involved with purchasing production ready steel, supervises and directs the activities of Steel Expeditor(s), Inventory Specialist(s), and Inventory Coordinators engaged in expediting flow of steel within or between multiple plants. Coordinates with the Sales Team, Production Planner(s), and Manufacturing to ensure steel is received in a timely manner.

Essential Functions:

The list of duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Evaluates steel usage patterns relying on historical data, customer forecasts, sales trends, and production schedules (among other variables) to determine appropriate steel mills and/or vendor supply contracts sometimes in coordination with Steel Warehouse.
• Negotiates contract pricing and duration period(s) with steel mills and/or vendor contacts.
• Maintains sufficient master coil and slit coil inventory levels, according to established inventory goals, to support continuous production operations.
• Maintains detailed, accurate records related to steel purchases, inventory levels, cost, location, ownership, age, etc.
• Directs and supports the activities of the Steel Expeditor(s), Inventory Specialist(s) and Inventory Coordinator(s) in the review of buy reports, blues, and production schedules, in order to ensure appropriate steel purchase quantity and timing of steel receiving.
• Maintains a roster of qualified service center vendors and ensures vendors maintain the necessary Quality Certification(s).
• Evaluates the performance of vendors and takes appropriate action for poor vendor performance.
• Supervises Request For Quote (RFQ) process for purchases made in the spot market.
• Evaluates quotes for competitive pricing, adherence to specifications, and timing.
• Visits vendor locations to evaluate vendor capabilities.
• Directs the Inventory Specialist(s) in the dispositioning of steel quality defects and approves corrective action(s).
• Maintains positive, productive relationships with other department leaders and staff and works to proactively address internal conflict.
• Maintains positive relationships with industry representatives and leaders and attends industry functions where appropriate.
• Stays informed of industry trends, market dynamics, steel mill and service center activities, and uses this knowledge to inform business decisions and direct personnel.

Requirements:

• Experience with office computer software required, including demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite software packages such as: Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Effective analytical skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills
• Effective organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to be detail-oriented
• Ability to operate a variety of standard business machines such as: computer, keyboard, calculator, fax, and photocopier
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Willingness to travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages the Steel Purchasing Department and personnel. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving conflicts.

Required Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (BA) from four-year college or university; or three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience