Indirect Buyer

About the role

The Indirect Buyer position is responsible for sourcing, estimating, and purchasing from our vendor base. This role also negotiates pricing and contracts with vendors to ensure competitive pricing and delivery times.

Responsibilities

• Review requirements from customer service, project management, and purchasing to ensure adequate sourcing support for upcoming projects and place purchase orders in a timely manner.
• Request and evaluate quotes from vendors to determine the best sourcing options.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities within the purchasing responsibility.
• Review and understand customer requirements (CAD drawings) to provide optimal sourcing in terms of quality, price, and delivery.
• Monitor and work with vendors to improve on‑time delivery performance.
• Resolve warranty claims with vendors.
• Execute sourcing activities in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Facilitate resolution of quality issues with vendors as they arise.
• Read, understand, and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with internal engineering groups to answer vendor drawing questions.
• Work closely with Technical Sales Support, Quality Department, sales, project managers, engineering, and other departments.
• Conduct vendor site visits from the commercial side as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in purchasing, supply chain management, or business administration.
• One plus year of related experience, preferably in the metals industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently and within a group.
• Hands‑on, imaginative, and resourceful approach to problem solving.
• Understanding and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications (a plus).
• Proven track record of working with and negotiating with various vendors.
• Understanding of quality department functions.
• Result‑oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Clear communication across all company levels.
• Understanding of supply chain processes and solid problem‑solving ability.
• Proficiency with standard MS Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• SAP/ERP system proficiency (a plus).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid vacation and paid holiday time.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Training and tuition reimbursement program.
• Additional company‑provided benefits.

Company overview

SMS Group is the leading partner in the world of metals, serving as an original equipment supplier offering comprehensive maintenance and spare‑part services for metals production, continuous casting and rolling (flat and long products), tubes, welded pipes, forging, non‑ferrous technology, and heat‑treatment plants—all from a single source.