Buyer

About the Company

Morton Industries has built a reputation for excellence in tube, sheet, and enclosure fabrication over nearly 80 years. With 5 facilities across the United States, we serve a global customer base, from established off-highway OEMs to startups. Our culture emphasizes team success, professional authenticity, and ongoing improvement of our people and processes.

About the Role

As a Steel Buyer, you will secure high-quality steel materials at competitive prices, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of raw materials to meet production demands. This role requires a deep understanding of the steel market, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage supplier relationships to optimize cost, quality, and delivery timelines.

Responsibilities

• Market Analysis and Procurement Strategy: Monitor steel market trends, including price fluctuations, availability, and emerging technologies to identify cost-saving opportunities. Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans considering quality, quantity, delivery schedules, and market conditions. Analyze steel specifications and collaborate with engineers and production teams to ensure accurate procurement.
• Supplier Management: Identify and qualify new steel suppliers based on quality standards, pricing, delivery capabilities, and financial stability. Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating contracts, price terms, and delivery schedules. Evaluate supplier performance through quality audits, delivery timeliness, and cost analysis, addressing issues proactively. Implement supplier performance metrics to track and incentivize quality improvements.
• Negotiation and Contract Management: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, payment terms, and delivery conditions. Draft and manage steel purchase orders, ensuring compliance with contract specifications and company policies. Resolve contract disputes or discrepancies with suppliers efficiently.
• Cost Optimization and Inventory Control: Analyze steel usage patterns and forecast future needs to optimize inventory levels and minimize carrying costs. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives, such as exploring alternative steel grades, negotiating volume discounts, and optimizing logistics. Monitor market fluctuations and adjust procurement strategies to mitigate price risks.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality control teams to establish and enforce strict quality standards for incoming steel materials. Conduct thorough inspections of steel deliveries, ensuring compliance with specifications and identifying potential quality issues. Implement corrective actions to address quality concerns with suppliers.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data analytics tools to track procurement metrics, including pricing trends, supplier performance, and cost savings. Prepare regular reports for management, providing insights into market conditions, procurement activities, and cost analysis.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or 3+ years’ experience in Procurement, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in the steel market, including knowledge of different steel grades, specifications, and industry standards.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed procurement decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired Skills

• Experience with international steel sourcing and import/export procedures.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and cost-reduction strategies.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with quality management systems (ISO standards).

Benefits

• Low insurance premiums on medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Hospital, critical illness, and accident coverages.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• 401K match.
• Paid bereavement leave.