Raw Materials Buyer

Job Purpose

Owns the Company's raw material procurement process by ensuring the timely and cost-effective purchase of materials necessary to support manufacturing operations and inventory requirements. Develops and maintains supplier relationships, manages inventory replenishment activities, administers purchasing contracts, and collaborates across departments to ensure material availability while supporting operational efficiency and profitability.

Key Business Outcomes

• Raw materials are procured on time to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Inventory levels are maintained within established targets to minimize shortages and excess inventory.
• Supplier performance is monitored and managed to ensure quality, delivery, and cost expectations are achieved.
• Purchasing activities comply with Company policies, procedures, and approved purchasing strategies.
• Stock and release contracts are effectively managed to maximize pricing advantages and supply continuity.
• Material costs, freight expenses, and purchasing trends are analyzed to support profitability objectives.
• Supplier relationships are developed and maintained to ensure a reliable and competitive supply chain.
• Purchasing documentation and records are maintained accurately and remain readily accessible.
• Cross-functional communication supports efficient inventory management and operational planning.

Job Results & Accountabilities

• Purchases raw materials required to support production and inventory replenishment requirements.
• Monitors inventory levels and collaborates with management to maintain appropriate stocking quantities.
• Assists in developing purchasing strategies for raw material sourcing and inventory optimization.
• Supports mill-direct purchasing activities and supplier negotiations as directed.
• Participates in the review, negotiation, administration, and management of stock and release agreements.
• Releases materials under established supplier contracts to maintain inventory availability.
• Collaborates with Receiving and Warehouse personnel to coordinate vendor returns and resolve material discrepancies.
• Maintains purchasing records and documentation in a systematic and retrievable manner.
• Communicates industry trends, supplier developments, pricing changes, and product opportunities to management.
• Tracks freight-related costs and ensures appropriate allocation of expenses to inventory.
• Utilizes ERP and purchasing systems to manage procurement activities and improve operational efficiency.
• Reviews requisitions for proper approvals, specifications, and account coding.
• Coordinates closely with Receiving to ensure purchased materials are delivered accurately and on schedule.
• Investigates and expedites late deliveries and supplier performance issues.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement, inventory management, and supplier relationships.
• Ensures compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and ethical business standards.

Division of Ownership

The Raw Materials Buyer owns the Company's day-to-day raw material procurement activities, supplier communications, inventory replenishment execution, purchasing documentation, and contract release administration. Inventory strategy, major sourcing initiatives, and capital purchasing decisions remain under the direction of the Executive Vice President of Manufacturing.

Performance Measurement

Performance is measured by material availability, inventory turns, supplier on-time delivery performance, purchasing cost savings, inventory accuracy, contract compliance, freight cost management, stockout prevention, and overall support of production scheduling requirements. Success is demonstrated through reliable supply chain execution, efficient inventory management, and effective supplier relationships.

Job Impact

Effective raw material purchasing directly impacts manufacturing productivity, inventory investment, customer service performance, operating costs, and profitability. This role ensures materials are available when needed while balancing inventory carrying costs and procurement efficiency.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Experience with P21 software or comparable ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of fasteners, steel products, or industrial raw materials preferred.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and purchasing-related reporting tools.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Travel

Minimal travel required. Occasional supplier, warehouse, or industry-related travel may be necessary.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.