Purchasing Manager

The Purchasing Manager assists in the execution of the product procurement and sales support strategies as defined by the VP of Commercial and, where relevant, the President. Effectively executing these strategies is critical in managing State Steel’s inventory positions appropriately across market cycles. This role includes: optimizing the utilization of the MetalTraq system (migrating to GAINS in 2027) and assuring the inputs/outputs reflect the defined sourcing strategy; assisting with the development and analysis of key purchasing metrics related to inventory; assisting with the adjustment of the procurement process as market fundamentals change; analyzing and leveraging industry information, professional memberships and data available through various sources to drive better decision making; and leveraging technology to improve processes and procedures. This role is an integral part of the purchasing management team alongside the Vice President of Commercial & President who negotiates the various sourcing agreements with key vendors. This role reports directly to the VP of Commercial.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Sourcing Processes

• Optimizes the utilization of MetalTraq tools in the procurement process

• Manages Mins/Max in accordance with strategy and market conditions

• Educates the staff on

• Key inputs, metrics and screens

• Inventory Management

• Requisitions and purchase orders process

• Evaluates staff’s knowledge & effective use of MetalTraq

• Assures that MetalTraq system reflects the current sourcing strategy and adjusts input based on recommendations from the commercial management team

Commercial Expectations

• Develop expertise in assigned product line: specifications, forms/shapes, industry applications, production/processing capabilities, competitive analysis.

• Push relevant market and pricing information to sales personnel and other personnel company wide in an efficient, timely, and consistent manner.

• Work with sales personnel in a proactive manner to help them successfully pursue sales opportunities.

• Support sales personnel company wide by providing product-level consultation. Helping interpret customer specs, tolerances, material choices, and solutions.

• Work directly with sales and key customers to identify needs, present solutions, and coordinate with internal teams (operations, supply chain, pricing, quoting) to deliver value.

• Maintain up-to-date market intelligence: pricing trends, supplier capabilities, raw material cost drivers, competitive products. Document and share this information with sales team members company wide.

• Generate product line growth by identifying new opportunities, cross selling into adjacent lines, support new product/vendor launches or value-added services.

• Assist with quoting/estimating for complex or high value orders/customer ensuring technical accuracy, processing cost awareness, and margin optimization.

• Work cross functionally to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction in products lines managed.

• Create and maintain documentation/training materials, including internal training for sales/operations and external customer-facing content as needed.

• Generally support all levels of sales personnel as a subject matter expert to help them better perform their sales roles effectively.

People Leadership

• Leads a team of buyers that are responsible for procuring warehouse inventory.

• Responsible for performance management and provides recommendations for compensation decisions for team members.

Strategy

• Assists in monitoring key market fundamentals and consults with the commercial management team when considering an adjustment to the current sourcing strategy

• Responsible for the profitability and growth of product group working in conjunction with the commercial sales team and Branch Managers.

• Assist the CCO when negotiating special deals to analyze the impact of the current sourcing strategy

• Assist the buyers in evaluating the adjustments needed to sourcing strategy resulting from negotiated deals/price adjustments/freight changes

• Utilizes industry information, association memberships, and various other data sources to analyze market trends and forecasts

• Devoted to developing strong vendor relationships. Actively Vendor visits and entertainment events

Measurements

• Assists in the development of purchasing key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Analyzes purchasing KPIs as well as sales KPIs to recommend adjustments to the procurement process

Technology and Continuous Improvement

• Improves the effectiveness of the purchasing team and enhances productivity, efficiency and vendor interaction

• Partners with IT to identify and implement new technology and improve existing technology based on business needs

• Drives for development, documentation and enforcement of purchasing policies, standard procedure and best practices. Streamlines purchasing processes

Physical & Work Requirements:

• Ensures professional appearance appropriate for meetings with vendors

• May require travel to vendors, industry events, customers, and State Steel branch locations

Required Background, Competencies & Expertise:

• Inquisitive, detail oriented, strong quantitative analysis skills

• Innovative approach to problem solving

• Independent thinking skills

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office tools

• Strong motivation to lead

• Strong relationship building skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Strong cooperation and collaboration skills

• High learning agility

• Minimum 5 years in the metals business

• Bachelor’s degree