Purchasing Agent (Structural Steel)

Purchasing Agents at Schuff Steel master the art of buying misc. steel materials by navigating competitive markets, high material costs, managing volatility, and ensuring uninterrupted production through strategic sourcing using the ERP/MRP system and other internal tools. Purchasing agents are also responsible for the outsourcing of all rolled, bent, cut and/or drilled plate as well as other produced material to fulfill production requirements. 1 Responsibilities Procurement and Supplier ManagementSourcing materialsNegotiating contractsManaging supplier relationshipsMonitoring performanceBudget cost controlsObtain and compare quotes from mills, service centers and distributorsEvaluate suppliers based on price, availability lead time and qualityPurchase all materials to schedule, special requirements, location, and budgetReview material and determine best nested requirement and buy materialsAccurately process purchase orders in a timely mannerStays knowledgeable on all current market conditions and adjusts buying patterns accordingly.Inventory ControlMonitor stockForecast demandMinimize costsCoordinate with production to prevent shortages/overstockingImplement Just-in-Time (JIT) strategies as appropriateTrack material usage and wasteLogistics and Delivery CoordinationSchedule deliveries to align with fabrication timelinesArrange freight and transportation as/if neededTrack shipments and resolve delaysCoordination with Project Management, Production Planning, Production, and FieldReview advanced bill of materialsClarify material grades and certifications meet ASTM standardsCommunicate lead times to all internal departmentsSupport change orders and material revisionsProvide purchasing schedule for each project to internal departmentsOffers technical assistance on specific product(s)Risk ManagementAnticipate supply chain disruptionsDevelop backup suppliers for critical materialsManage contract risks and termsQuality and complianceEnsure materials meet required specificationsObtain mill test reports (MTRs)Resolve material discrepancies or defects with suppliersProcess ImprovementAnalyze supply chain data, identify bottlenecks, and develop strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costsDevelop and implement new strategies and workflows for procurement, inventory, and logisticsOptimize the entire flow of goods and services from sourcing to delivery (This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job responsibilities and functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform. Above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. Duties and responsibilities can be changed, expanded, reduced or delegated by management to meet the business needs of the company) Qualifications Education & Experience: High school diploma or equivalentThree to five (3-5) YOE in a Purchasing Agent/Buyer role within the steel fabrication or structural steel construction industry Software & Technology General understanding and knowledge MS Office, Excel, Bluebeam, and Oracle programs Work Environment Position requires as many hours needed to fulfill the daily and weekly obligations required to carry out the functions and generally performed inside a climate-controlled office environmentThis role may require employee to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 lbs.Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request for those who have disabilities that qualify under the American with Disabilities Act. Schuff Steel Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer