Procurement Specialist

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, and vendor management within our steel foundry and machine shop operations. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in supply chain management, logistics, and excellent negotiation skills, along with a deep understanding of the steel manufacturing process.

Main Responsibilities:

• Procurement Strategy: Develop and execute tailored procurement strategies to optimize sourcing of raw materials for the foundry and machine shop.
• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and establish strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers and sub-vendors.
• Negotiation: Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers and sub-vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and services.
• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess capabilities, and facilitate competitive bidding processes.
• Inventory Monitoring: Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with production teams to forecast material requirements, preventing shortages or excess stock.
• Cost Management: Implement cost-saving initiatives, including supplier audits and performance evaluations, without compromising quality.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, particularly regarding material specifications and safety protocols.
• Technical Collaboration: Work closely with engineering and production teams to understand technical requirements and align procurement activities.
• Documentation Management: Manage import/export documentation and customs clearance processes.
• ERP Utilization: Utilize ERP systems to track orders, manage supplier performance, and streamline procurement processes for efficiency.
• Performance Assessment: Conduct regular assessments of supplier performance metrics, addressing discrepancies, and driving continuous improvement.
• Reporting: Prepare and analyze procurement reports, providing insights to senior management on trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, material shortages, and price volatility, developing contingency plans as necessary.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the procurement team, fostering a culture of efficiency, transparency, and collaboration. Set clear performance goals and support the professional growth of team members.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement within the steel or metal foundry industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of material requirements.
• Certifications: Professional certifications such as Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) are highly desirable.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven track record of successful negotiation strategies leading to cost reductions and improved supplier relationships.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with INCO Terms and key import/export regulations.
• ERP Proficiency: Experience with ERP systems related to manufacturing and inventory management.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is mandatory; proficiency in additional languages is advantageous.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical skills to assess supplier performance and market trends, translating data into actionable procurement strategies.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective liaison with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Adaptability: Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive Mindset: A focus on problem-solving and innovation to enhance procurement processes and outcomes.