Purchasing Manager/Buyer

Preferred 5–10 year buyer Plant / manufacturing purchasing

Steel, fabrication, machining materials

Someone comfortable supporting day-to-day shop operations

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Schedule: 1st Shift

We are seeking a hands-on Purchasing Buyer or Purchasing Manager with experience in heavy industrial or steel fabrication environments. This is not an office supply or administrative purchasing role. This individual will manage production materials, raw steel, fabricated components, maintenance equipment, and machine-related purchases that directly impact shop performance and output.

Title is flexible based on experience. This role does not manage direct reports. It manages material flow, vendor relationships, and production support.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure raw materials including steel plate, structural components, and fabricated parts

• Manage MRO, machine parts, tooling, and maintenance-related purchasing

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements

• Monitor inventory levels to support production schedules

• Coordinate with production, quality, and maintenance teams

• Maintain vendor relationships and identify cost-saving opportunities

• Review purchase orders, track shipments, and resolve discrepancies

• Support continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives

Required Experience

• Background in heavy industrial, steel fabrication, machining, or manufacturing environments

• Experience purchasing production materials, not office or administrative supplies

• Understanding of fabrication processes, shop operations, and material flow

• Vendor negotiation experience

• Ability to work directly with production leadership

Preferred

• Experience in structural steel or heavy plate environments

• ERP system experience

• Exposure to high-volume or custom fabrication operations