Buyer

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES  

Purchase raw materials and subcontract work for TrueNorth Steel. Responsible for managing the cost and on-time delivery of purchased materials from assigned suppliers. Coordinate supplier quality improvements with TrueNorth Steel quality team members. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Embrace and demonstrate the qualities of the TrueNorth Steel Game Changer definition. 

• Purchase steel, fabricated parts, paint and accessories from demands in the operation software programs for TrueNorth Steel from current approved vendors. 

• Manage Purchase Orders from start to finish, including pricing, due dates and resolution to material non-conformances. 

• Build relationships with new and existing vendors. 

• Work with a cross-functional team, including the sales, accounting, inventory departments, etc. to solve issues and complete daily work.  

• Coordinate with Site Inventory personnel on inventory and safety stock levels. 

• Maintain vendor contracts in the ERP system. 

• May assist with inventory audits. 

• Research new raw material suppliers and subcontractor options for TrueNorth Steel locations. 

• Communicate current material prices, lead times and mill rolling schedules with the team. 

• May work directly with the steel mills and negotiate pricing. 

• Analyze multiple potential vendor solutions and make sound purchase decisions based upon price, availability, and internal customer requirements. 

• Opportunity for travel. 

• Prompt and dependable attendance. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND QUALITIES 

• Excellent communication skills, being able to communicate in a clear and concise manner (written and verbal). 

• Familiarity with various computer software programs including, but not limited to Microsoft Office, MRP, or ERP systems. 

• Must be able to multi-task and be organized. 

• Must have good time management skills and a sense of urgency. 

• Ability to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties. 

• Ability to accept personal responsibility and account for his/her actions regarding their decisions along with being dependable and trustworthy. 

• Ability to adapt to change in the workplace and complete assigned tasks under stressful or high pressure situations. 

• Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task. 

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE 

• High School Diploma or GED required. 

• Associate’s degree in Business or related field or equivalent work experience.   

• Minimum of 2 years purchasing or related experience. 

• Steel manufacturing experience preferred.  

Specific Requirements for Levels 2 and 3 

Buyer 2: 

In addition to Level 1 requirements: 

• Learn and retain all purchasing processes and procedures.  

• New vendor approval processing and setup in operation software program(s). 

• Will work directly with the steel mills and negotiate pricing. 

• Willingness to travel. 

• May assist with inventory audits. 

Buyer 3: 

In addition to Level 1 and Level 2 requirements: 

• Will assist with Inventory Audits. 

• Game Changer Class completion with shown personal development. 

• Cross functional system knowledge. 

• Assist with vendor management & qualifications. 

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen long-term supplier relationships. 

• Functional Team Lead for the systems in which we operate, including training in those systems. 

• Assist in updating all purchasing processes and work instructions as needed. 

• Obtained or pursue professional development/certification in a related discipline, e.g. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM). 

Sr. Buyer 

In addition to Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 requirements 

• Provide leadership and coaching to partner departments and fellow purchasing team members sharing best practices, constructive criticism, and inspirational mentoring. 

• Create and lead strategies related to cost reduction initiatives, new project development, supply base optimization and rationalization, risk assessment and mitigation, and contract negotiations including master purchase agreements. 

• Identify supply base risk including market assessments, financial assessments, environment, ethics, etc. and develop/implement mitigation plans. 

• Develop and maintain knowledge of market conditions, trends, sources of supply and supplier capabilities for materials within assigned categories. 

• Negotiate and execute master purchase agreements for identified suppliers which includes interfacing with the appropriate areas such as sales, legal, finance, project management, operations, quality, and senior leadership. 

• Lead sourcing and supplier selection process for major new project programs. 

• Facilitate and participate in supplier development initiatives including qualification and onboarding of new suppliers.  

• Participate in lean, kaizen projects, and other similar initiatives. 

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen long-term supplier relationships.  

• Other duties as assigned based on business needs.