Purchasing/Inventory Steel Shop

The Steel Shop Purchaser is responsible for ensuring materials, consumables, and outside services are available to support uninterrupted production in a fast-paced structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication shop. This position plays a critical role in keeping projects on schedule by purchasing materials promptly, coordinating with production personnel, maintaining accurate inventory records, and receiving incoming materials without delay.

This is not simply an administrative purchasing position. The ideal candidate takes ownership of the supply chain, anticipates shop needs before shortages occur, communicates effectively with production, and continuously looks for ways to improve efficiency and reduce delays., Purchasing

• Issue purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Source competitive pricing while maintaining quality and delivery requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors.
• Monitor purchase order status and proactively follow up on late deliveries.
• Expedite critical materials to support production schedules.
• Coordinate outside services including galvanizing, painting, machining, laser cutting, and freight.
• Ensure all purchased materials meet project specifications and Buy America requirements when applicable.

Production Support

• Meet daily with the Shop Foreman and Material Handler to identify upcoming material needs.
• Review production schedules and anticipate material requirements before shortages occur.
• Coordinate material deliveries to support fabrication priorities.
• Quickly resolve material shortages and vendor issues to minimize production downtime.
• Communicate delivery updates to production and management.

Receiving & Inventory

• Receive incoming materials into the ERP system immediately upon arrival.
• Verify quantities, material certifications, and purchase order accuracy.
• Coordinate unloading and proper storage of incoming materials.
• Maintain accurate inventory records.
• Ensure material traceability and proper documentation.
• Assist with cycle counts and physical inventories.
• Monitor stock levels and reorder commonly used shop materials before they become critical.

Coordination

• Work closely with:
• Steel Shop Foreman
• Material Handler
• Estimators
• Drafters
• Project Managers
• Accounting
• Outside Vendors
• Communicate material status and delivery schedules clearly and proactively.
• Notify management immediately of any supply chain issues that may impact production.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce material costs and freight expenses.
• Recommend alternative suppliers when appropriate.
• Improve purchasing processes and inventory management.
• Help establish standard stocking levels for common materials and consumables.
• Continuously seek ways to improve responsiveness and efficiency., The Purchaser’s performance will be measured by:
• Purchase Orders issued within 24 hours of approved requests.
• On-time delivery of materials supporting production schedules.
• Minimal production downtime due to unavailable materials.
• Receiving completed within one business day of material arrival.
• Inventory accuracy.
• Vendor on-time delivery performance.
• Cost savings through competitive purchasing and freight optimization.
• Timely communication regarding delayed or critical materials.
• Accuracy of purchase orders and receiving transactions.

Success in This Position

A successful Purchaser keeps the shop running by ensuring materials are available before they are needed. They communicate proactively with production, stay ahead of purchasing demands, maintain accurate inventory, and take ownership of every order from purchase through receipt. Their work directly contributes to meeting production schedules, reducing downtime, and supporting the overall success of the steel fabrication operation.

• Minimum 3 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in steel fabrication, manufacturing, construction, or industrial environments.
• Experience reading fabrication drawings is preferred.
• Knowledge of steel products, structural shapes, plate, pipe, hardware, and welding consumables.
• Experience using ERP systems (Acumatica preferred).
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office., * Takes ownership of their responsibilities.
• Is proactive rather than reactive.
• Has a strong sense of urgency.
• Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Can prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Builds positive working relationships with both vendors and internal departments.
• Communicates effectively and follows through on commitments.
• Is dependable, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Takes pride in keeping production moving., * Must be able to work in both office and shop environments.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including hot summer temperatures and cold winter conditions.
• Must be able to regularly walk throughout the fabrication shop and outdoor material yard.
• Must be able to inspect, identify, and verify incoming steel, hardware, and inventory stored throughout the facility.
• Must be able to maintain accurate inventory by physically locating, counting, and verifying materials in the yard and warehouse.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to stand, bend, stoop, climb stairs, and operate safely around forklifts, cranes, and moving equipment while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)., * Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Required)
• Inventory management: 1 year (Required)
• Organizational skills: 1 year (Required)

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account, * 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance