Bill Watts at Robert Half is working with a growing manufacturing company in the Troy, MI area who has created a new Senior Buyer position!
Overview: As a Senior Metal Buyer, you will be responsible for procuring metal commodities, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and managing inventory levels to support manufacturing operations. This role requires expertise in metals markets, supply chain management, and strategic sourcing to ensure cost-effective procurement and timely delivery of materials.
Key Responsibilities:
Metal Procurement:
Identify metal sourcing needs based on production requirements, inventory levels, and market trends.
Source and purchase metal commodities such as steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys from domestic and international suppliers.
Supplier Management:
Evaluate and qualify suppliers based on factors such as quality, price, delivery capabilities, and reliability.
Negotiate contracts, pricing terms, and payment terms with suppliers to secure favorable agreements and optimize cost savings.
Market Analysis:
Monitor metals markets, including pricing trends, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and regulatory developments.
Conduct market research and analysis to assess risks and opportunities and make informed procurement decisions.
Inventory Management:
Maintain optimal inventory levels of metal commodities to support production schedules and minimize stockouts or excess inventory.
Implement inventory control measures, including inventory tracking, forecasting, and replenishment strategies.
Cost Management:
Analyze metal procurement costs, including raw material costs, transportation costs, duties, and taxes.
Identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate price reductions, and implement cost reduction initiatives to achieve budget targets.
Quality Assurance:
Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure metal suppliers meet quality standards and specifications.
Address quality issues, conduct supplier audits, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Contract Management:
Manage supplier contracts, including renewals, amendments, and performance evaluations.
Ensure contract compliance, resolve contract disputes, and enforce terms and conditions.
Risk Management:
Assess and mitigate supply chain risks related to metal procurement, including supply disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical risks.
Develop risk mitigation strategies, alternative sourcing options, and contingency plans.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Collaborate with production, engineering, and logistics teams to align metal procurement with production schedules, project timelines, and inventory needs.
Provide strategic input and support for new product development, cost reduction initiatives, and supply chain optimization.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Purchasing, or a related field; relevant certifications (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) are a plus.
Several years of experience in metal procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of metals markets, industry trends, pricing mechanisms, and supply chain best practices.
Excellent negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship management skills.
Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis, market research, and cost modeling.
Familiarity with ERP systems, inventory management software, and procurement tools.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and make strategic decisions in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.