Purchaser – Steel & Production Materials

Job Title:

Purchaser – Steel & Production Materials

Reports To:

Supply Chain Manager / Operations Manager

Position Summary:

The Purchaser is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring steel and production-related materials to support manufacturing operations. This role ensures material availability, cost control, and supplier performance while maintaining alignment with production schedules and inventory strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Source and procure steel (plate, tube, sheet, structural) and other production materials
• Manage supplier relationships, including pricing, lead times, and performance
• Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements to support cost reduction initiatives
• Place and manage purchase orders in ERP system
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and address delays or quality issues
• Collaborate with:
• Production Control (for demand and schedule alignment)
• Inventory/Logistics (for stock levels and receiving issues)
• Engineering (for material specifications and changes)
• Support MRP-driven purchasing and exception messages
• Maintain accurate system data (lead times, MOQ, pricing)
• Track and resolve discrepancies (shortages, damages, incorrect materials)
• Participate in supplier development and evaluation

Required Qualifications:

• 1+ years of steel purchasing experience (REQUIRED) 3+ years pref
• Strong understanding of:
• Steel grades, forms, and applications
• Market pricing trends and fluctuations
• Experience in manufacturing environment (CNC, fabrication, welding preferred)
• ERP/MRP system experience
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ISO environments
• Familiarity with inventory control and production planning
• APICS or supply chain certification (a plus)

Key Competencies:

• Cost awareness and negotiation
• Urgency and follow-through
• Supplier accountability
• Cross-functional communication
• Problem solving under pressure

Salary Range

• Low (entry / 1 yr exp): $50K – $55K
• Target (ideal hire – 2–4 yrs + steel exposure): $58K – $68K
• High (strong steel buyer / plug-and-play): $70K – $75K

Pay: $59,000.00 - $77,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person