Metals Recycling Buyer II

At Gerdau, we empower our people to grow, thrive, and make a difference—together. With a culture built on trust and teamwork, we offer meaningful work, continuous development, and opportunities to shape your future.

About the Role

This position is primarily responsible for the procurement of retail scrap appropriate for steelmaking. Under the immediate direction of the Manager – Raw Materials, the incumbent will execute the approved plan to minimize costs and maximize returns for operations. The role involves establishing and maintaining effective relationships with suppliers, including active solicitation of new supply sources within an assigned region. The supplier base includes established accounts, casual peddlers, auto wreckers, and other generators of scrap metal.

This position reports directly to the Regional Raw Materials Manager and has a functional reporting relationship to the local Division Manager. The incumbent will coordinate activities with transportation, scrap inspection, and accounting personnel.

Responsibilities

• Recruit new supply sources for scrap in the local regional market.
• Procure scrap metals in an economical and efficient manner while maintaining effective business relationships with the current supplier base.
• Stay abreast of current market trends, regional scrap markets, and competitive situations/practices to meet the needs of the operations supplied.
• Provide information to management and transportation to develop cost avoidance and savings opportunities in the purchase, transportation, and processing of scrap.
• Serve as a liaison between plant management and scrap suppliers.
• Review scrap order shipment status weekly and make necessary adjustments to ensure timely receipt of goods purchased and proper order application.
• Resolve discrepancies pertaining to grading, weight settlement, order application, and other disputes with vendors and operations personnel within established policies.
• Educate and communicate specifications, commercial terms and conditions, and safety and environmental compliance requirements to vendors, shippers, and inspection personnel.
• Inspect and address scrap quality issues that arise at the Yard site.
• Maintain computer literacy in procurement systems, with proficiency in company scrap information systems and other business applications.
• Support commercial practices based on established policies to ensure fair, ethical, and productive relationships with suppliers.
• Actively coordinate issues with appropriate administrative and accounting personnel.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience, with at least 1 year directly related to buying and selling scrap.
• Knowledge of sources and grades of raw materials, along with some knowledge of transportation issues and scrap yard operations.
• Strong negotiating, communication, math, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function effectively both independently and as a member of a cross-functional team.
• High ethical standards and a strong work ethic.
• Regular weekly travel to maintain an effective network of vendors, mill personnel, and industry organizations.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to initiate business.