Steel Service Center Purchasing Manager ( {{city}})

Job Title: Steel Service center - Purchasing Manager

Department: Procurement / Supply Chain

Reports To: CEO

Location: Flat Rock, MI

Salary Range: $100,000$140,000 annually

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced Purchasing Manager with a proven background in the steel industry , specifically within a Steel Service Center environment. This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring flat-rolled and structural steel products to meet operational demands. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of steel grades, mill relationships, and market dynamics, and will play a critical role in maintaining efficient inventory levels, reducing costs, and ensuring timely, high-quality deliveries.

Steel industry and Steel Service Center experience is required.

Key Responsibilities:

Steel Sourcing & Procurement

• Source carbon, stainless, and alloy steel coil, sheet, plate, bar, and structural products.
• Leverage existing relationships with domestic and international steel mills and distributors.
• Analyze steel market conditions and indices (CRU, AMM) to drive timely and cost-effective purchasing decisions.
• Negotiate contracts and blanket agreements tailored to Steel Service Center operations.

Supplier & Mill Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships with a focus on mill-direct procurement.
• Evaluate and monitor supplier performance (quality, pricing, lead times).
• Identify secondary sourcing options and supply chain alternatives to mitigate risk.

Inventory & Cost Optimization

• Manage inventory levels using a JIT approach to support fast-turnaround service center operations.
• Maintain appropriate stock of high-demand grades and sizes based on forecasting and historical trends.
• Work cross-functionally with finance and operations to control purchasing costs and meet margin targets.

Internal Collaboration & Material Planning

• Align closely with sales, operations, and production teams to forecast material requirements and scheduling needs.
• Ensure all incoming steel meets technical specifications, industry standards (ASTM, AISI), and customer requirements.
• Coordinate with logistics on inbound freight and delivery schedules (rail, truck, barge).

Systems & Reporting

• Use ERP systems to manage purchasing activity, inventory tracking, and supplier performance.
• Develop reports on purchasing KPIs, price trends, and supplier scorecards.
• Stay informed of steel market pricing and availability, and communicate updates internally.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of purchasing experience in the steel industry , with at least 3 years in a Steel Service Center .
• In-depth knowledge of steel specifications, grades, and market structures.
• Strong negotiation and contract management expertise within a steel supply environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or industry-specific platforms).
• Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with metals distribution and service center operations.
• Familiarity with freight logistics specific to steel transport (flatbed, rail, barge).
• Understanding of ISO 9001 or similar quality assurance systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and Mill Test Reports (MTRs).

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with frequent interaction with warehouse and production teams.
• Occasional travel to supplier sites, mills, and industry events may be required.