What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at Shepard Steel?
Shepard Steel is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to oversee the procurement of structural steel and related materials for our projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in structural steel fabrication and purchasing, including experience sourcing material directly from steel mills and steel service centers/warehouses.
This individual will be responsible for procuring the correct materials, at competitive prices and within established project budgets, while ensuring material is delivered to our shop in accordance with project schedules. The Purchasing Manager will work closely with project management, estimating, accounting, and shop operations to support efficient project execution and maintain the quality and reliability our customers expect.
Responsibilities
- Manage the purchasing of structural steel and related materials for all projects, ensuring purchases remain within established budgets.
- Source and negotiate material purchases from steel mills, warehouses, and other suppliers to secure competitive pricing and reliable delivery schedules.
- Review project specifications and material requirements to ensure the correct shapes, sizes, grades, and quantities are ordered.
- Prepare and issue purchase orders, track outstanding orders, and maintain accurate purchasing records.
- Coordinate material deliveries with suppliers and shop personnel to support fabrication schedules.
- Review and approve supplier invoices for submission to Accounts Payable, resolving pricing and quantity discrepancies as needed.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while identifying opportunities to reduce material costs and improve purchasing efficiency.
- Communicate with project management, estimating, accounting, and shop operations regarding material costs, availability, and delivery schedules.
Qualifications
- 10 years of purchasing experience preferred, ideally with a structural steel fabricator.
- Experience purchasing structural steel directly from steel mills and steel warehouses/service centers.
- Strong knowledge of structural steel shapes, sizes, grades, and material specifications, including wide flange beams, HSS/tube, channel, angle, and plate.
- Familiarity with ASTM material grades and specifications, including Grade 50 wide flange material.
- Experience with purchase orders, supplier negotiations, invoice approvals, and delivery coordination.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and purchasing, accounting, or ERP software.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- Health, dental, and life insurance (includes vision)
- 401(k) with employer match/profit sharing
- Full-time, 1st shift (Monday–Friday overtime as needed)
- Paid vacation and holidays
Shepard Steel is a structural steel and miscellaneous fabrication company that has been an integral part of the Connecticut construction landscape for more than 65 years. With a staff of approximately 100 talented professionals, we are carrying out the company’s proud tradition of meeting the structural and miscellaneous steel requirements of customers throughout all Southern New England and Eastern New York State. We fabricate approximately 12,000 tons of steel per year and have invested heavily in state-of-the-art fabrication equipment in recent years.
Shepard Steel Co., Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer