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. Incumbent must have external sales/account management experience and will visit 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.

Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S)

• 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.

Operational Performance & Best Business Practices

• 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.
• Educates and trains customers on scrap quality and acceptance policy; monitors to ensure compliance with current regulations.
• Competitive Bid Preparation: 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.
• Metals Purchasing. Communicates daily with the Regional Account Manager or Director of Commercial Operations when confirming bids or pricing requests that come in for a significant quantity of material. Reviews current market conditions and the company’s inventory position with the Commercial Operations team to obtain guidance before making significant or long-term purchases. Encourages suppliers to move product to the facilities as quickly as possible. Advances payments to suppliers in accordance with published MRB and regional policy.

Servicing of Existing Supplier Base (50% of work week)

• 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.

Marketing & Business Development (25% of work week)

• Works with the Regional Account Manager to develop a written plan of action. Spends approximately 25% of the work week in search of new business to build his/her own book of business.
• Presents a positive image for Schnitzer Metals Recycling Business (MRB) during discussions or visits with customers.

Administrative Management (25% of work week)

• Collaborates 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/or hourly staff at cost effective and competitive levels. Monitors 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.

Special Projects

Performs special projects or other duties as needed or assigned.

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.