Outside Buyer

General Position Summary & Responsibilities

The Outside Buyer reports to the Regional Accounts Manager. This position is an outside sales role, responsible for generating purchases of scrap metals (both Ferrous and Non-Ferrous) for the book of business within his/her defined geographic area.

• Visits facilities of current and potential suppliers within their area which may include scrap metal dealers, demolition contractors, industrial manufacturers, auto wreckers, and any other scrap metal generating project or company.
• Develops and builds customer/supplier relationships and negotiates prices and long-term contracts that build, grow, and retain the supplier base.
• Keeps knowledge of all different types of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous scrap grades to assess the value, quality, and the required processing to maximize profit for the company.
• Works with several cross-functioning teams within the organization to successfully maximize volume and margin requirements based on the commercial strategy.
• Ensures safe work practices and equipment are always used and that documentation and current practices are in accordance with company safety policies, OSHA, and other regulatory guidelines.
• Communicates and reinforces MRB's position on scrap acceptance in line with Environmental, Health, and Safety regulations.
• Communicates daily with current and potential suppliers, both in person and over the phone.
• Fosters current relationships and develops/expands supplier base.
• Communicates daily with other facilities per purchase contracts or known commitments.
• Edits and trains customers on scrap quality and acceptance policy; monitors to ensure compliance with current regulations.
• Prepares and submits bids in response to request for quotes.
• Works with the Inside Buyer to prepare standard bid forms for approval by the Regional Director of Commercial Operations.
• Calculates resources that will be needed to support the bid offering requirements.
• Makes significant or long-term purchases based on current market conditions and the company's inventory position.
• Advances payments to suppliers in accordance with published MRB and regional policy.
• Reviews transactions and purchase activities daily.
• Ensures proper pricing is on hand for the Commercial Operations team and Scale Receiving teams.
• Verifies that the scale purchase system has the latest pricing and coordinates with the facility's Office Manager to ensure the pricing is continuously brought up to date.
• Entertains and maintains a requisite relationship with key top-tier customers to ensure the best customer service and added value experience for our suppliers/customers.
• Works with the Regional Account Manager to develop a written plan of action.
• Spend approximately 25% of the work week in search of new business to build his/her own book of business.
• Portrays a positive image for Schnitzer Metals Recycling Business (MRB) during discussions or visits with customers.
• Coordinates with office staff to ensure accurate and timely documentation of all purchasing transactions.
• Provides weekly reports on number of visits to customers, quantity and quality of material purchased, follow-up action that is anticipated or required, expense reports, etc.
• Maintains exempt and and/or hourly staff at cost effective and competitive levels.
• Maintains supervisory practices for self and direct reports to ensure compliance with HR policies and union contracts, as applicable.
• Reviews performance of direct reports.
• Interviews prospective management and/or production employees.
• Works with Human Resources personnel to prepare job descriptions.
• Performs special projects or other duties as needed or assigned.
• Supports the Company’s Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business.
• Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.
• One to four years sales or non-procurement buying experience.
• Preference given to candidates with exposure or experience in the scrap metal industry.
• Valid drivers license.

Skills

• Superior customer service skills.
• Windows XP, which includes Outlook.
• Tact and ability to communicate with people at all levels, both orally and in writing, in a professional manner.
• Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Basic typing and data entry skills.
• Ability to: have practical understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; deal with problems involving several specific variables in or from standard situations.

Job Conditions

• Average office environment: occasional exposure to dirt and dust related to scrap yard environment.
• Work pressure can be substantial during peak times, requiring considerable adaptability; disturbances of workflow, and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected to occur on an intermittent basis.
• Offsite work involves meeting in person with current or potential customers and visiting other Schnitzer locations.
• Regional travel required.
• Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions: (see standard available bullets)

Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time, up to 6-8 hours per day;
• Bend at waist;
• Operate a vehicle;
• Use hands to write or keyboard;
• Assemble papers, staple;
• Photocopy;
• Use ten-key;
• Be mobile within an average office environment;
• Communicate by phone and in person in a professional manner.
• Visual acuity to read detailed documents, inspect material and use a computer.

Job Conditions

• Average office environment: occasional exposure to dirt and dust related to scrap yard environment.
• Work pressure can be substantial during peak times, requiring considerable adaptability; disturbances of workflow, and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected to occur on an intermittent basis.
• Offsite work involves meeting in person with current or potential customers and visiting other Schnitzer locations.
• Regional travel required.
• Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions: (see standard available bullets)

Qualifications

• Average office environment: occasional exposure to dirt and dust related to scrap yard environment.
• Work pressure can be substantial during peak times, requiring considerable adaptability; disturbances of workflow, and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected to occur on an intermittent basis.
• Offsite work involves meeting in person with current or potential customers and visiting other Schnitzer locations.
• Regional travel required.
• Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions: (see standard available bullets)

Skills

• Average office environment: occasional exposure to dirt and dust related to scrap yard environment.
• Work pressure can be substantial during peak times, requiring considerable adaptability; disturbances of workflow, and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected to occur on an intermittent basis.
• Offsite work involves meeting in person with current or potential customers and visiting other Schnitzer locations.
• Regional travel required.
• Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions: (see standard available bullets)