POSITION SUMMARY:
The Parts Supervisor is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and coordinating all steel parts and subcontracted materials required to support SME Industries fabrication and project operations. This role ensures all parts and subcontracted materials are procured accurately, on time, and in alignment with project schedules, cost targets, and quality standards.
The Supervisor works closely with the Purchasing Manager, Production Control, and Fabrication teams to verify part drawings, material specifications, and fabrication requirements. The position also coordinates with subcontract fabricators and vendors to manage outsourcing of material processing, ensuring full compliance with documentation, traceability, and delivery expectations.
This role plays a key part in maintaining production flow by managing supplier performance, balancing in-house and subcontracted workloads, and ensuring seamless integration of all purchased and outsourced materials within Tekla PowerFab.
ABOUT US:
SME Steel Contractors has provided comprehensive structural steel fabrication and erection since 1992 and is one of the largest fabricators/erectors of structural steel in the United States. Driven to be different from all others, SME is a division 5 company with a commitment to safety, value, and innovation. Visit https://smesteel.com/ to learn more. SME Steel Contractors is a division of SME Industries, Inc.
Why Join Us?
- Health and Wellness Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance.
- Financial Benefits including competitive compensation and 401(k) plan.
- Additional Benefits including Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off, Employee Assistance Program, and more.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Purchase all fabricated and pre-processed steel parts required for production, ensuring timely and accurate order placement.
- Coordinate subcontracted work such as cutting, forming, machining, and coating aligning with project requirements and schedules.
- Generate and process purchase orders in Tekla PowerFab, verifying accuracy of quantities, dimensions, and specifications.
- Review material requisitions, shop drawings, and engineering details to confirm part requirements prior to procurement.
- Communicate with vendors and subcontractors to confirm lead times, production capacity, and shipping schedules.
- Negotiate pricing and delivery terms under guidance from the Purchasing Manager to maintain cost and delivery targets.
- Track and monitor open purchase orders and subcontracted work to ensure on-time delivery and proper documentation.
- Verify mill certifications, processing certifications, and subcontract documentation for quality and traceability.
- Maintain clear communication with Production Control and Fabrication to coordinate delivery and sequencing of purchased parts.
- Collaborate with accounting to ensure accurate invoicing, receipts, and cost allocation for purchased and subcontracted materials.
- Evaluate vendor and subcontractor performance for quality, reliability, and responsiveness.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to perform each essential duty daily.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably within the structural steel, fabrication, or construction industry.
- Strong understanding of steel parts, processing methods, and fabrication requirements.
- Experience coordinating subcontracted work for cutting, forming, or machining is preferred.
- Proficiency in Tekla PowerFab or similar ERP systems for purchasing and subcontract management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook; experience with Power BI or similar tools is a plus.
- Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and part details.
- Strong communication and organizational skills with attention to accuracy and timelines.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective negotiation skills and vendor relationship management.
- Commitment to maintaining documentation accuracy and material traceability.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while using a computer or reviewing documents.
- Occasional lifting of material samples, records, or equipment (typically up to 20 lbs).
- Periodic visits to fabrication shops and warehouse areas, requiring PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety-toe shoes).
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Primarily office-based within a fabrication facility or corporate office setting.
- Frequent communication with suppliers, vendors, and internal departments.
- Regular visits to fabrication and inventory control areas to monitor operations.
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment requiring adaptability and coordination across multiple teams.
Position Responsibilities:This job posting reflects the current assignment of essential functions and is not meant to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may be assigned or reassigned to this position at any time.
Equal Employment Opportunity: SME Industries, Inc. and its divisions (SME Steel Contractors, Southwest Steel, CoreBrace, DuraFuse, and SME Logistics) is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law.
Employment Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility will be required upon hire.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person