Purchasing Agent

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for overseeing the purchasing, inventory control, and supply chain management of structural steel materials and related consumables for multiple fabrication facilities. This role ensures all procurement activities support project schedules, cost targets, and quality standards. The Purchasing Agent will lead procurement planning, vendor management, and integration of software systems such as Tekla PowerFab to streamline material traceability, inventory visibility, and project cost control.

This position plays a critical role in coordinating with project management, engineering, production control, and accounting teams to ensure materials are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with project specifications and company standards.

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:

• Manage and direct all structural steel procurement activities for multiple fabrication shops and project sites.
• Develop, implement, and oversee procurement strategies that ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of structural steel, plate, bolts, and other specialty items.
• Utilize Tekla PowerFab to generate material requisitions, monitor inventory, and maintain real-time visibility of purchase orders, receiving, and project allocations.
• Coordinate with project management and engineering to verify material specifications, grades, and fabrication requirements.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers, mills, and service centers to ensure favorable cost and delivery performance.
• Establish and maintain vendor relationships, monitor performance, and evaluate quality and reliability of supply sources.
• Collaborate with accounting and production control teams to ensure purchase orders, receipts, and invoices are properly matched and recorded.
• Monitor and analyze inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock situations; oversee stock rotation and material utilization practices.
• Implement and maintain procedures for material traceability, ensuring compliance with project documentation and QA/QC requirements.
• Develop and manage procurement reports, cost analyses, and material forecasts to support executive decision-making.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by optimizing procurement workflows, inventory control processes, and system integrations within PowerFab.
• Provide leadership and direction to procurement and inventory personnel, including training, performance reviews, and workload management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to perform each essential duty daily.

Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management within the structural steel fabrication or construction industry.

• Strong knowledge of structural steel materials, grades, and fabrication requirements.
• Proficiency in Tekla PowerFab for procurement, inventory control, and reporting is required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook) Power BI or ERP systems experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively and manage vendor relationships.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proven analytical skills in cost control, forecasting, and materials management.
• Leadership ability to manage and develop procurement and warehouse teams.

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 (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