BUYER

Gerdau•Petersburg, VA

About The Position

The primary function of this position is the timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services to support Gerdau’s production plans in the designated region and commodity/category. These activities include but are not limited to; supporting the strategic procurement process, execution of national, regional, and/or local supplier agreements to include team-based bid processes, negotiations, supplier selection/development, and contract management. Incumbent must stay abreast of current company practices and procedures. Gerdau seeks to disseminate the culture of sustainability throughout its value chain through partnership, communication, awareness, and engagement initiatives. As part of this effort, when acquiring products and services, the incumbent should include social responsibility and inclusion by adhering to Gerdau’s principles in safety, ethics, culture, diversity, and community in all activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Economics, or related field or at least 5 years of direct procurement experience required.
General knowledge of the steelmaking industry, manufacturing, industrial relations, logistics and procurement procedures and techniques.
Self-starter
Strong skills in communications, math and problem-solving skills
Able to function effectively independently and as a member of a cross-functional team.
High ethical standards
Strong work ethic

Responsibilities

Procure goods and services, prepare purchase orders and/or supply contracts within established policies and procedures, verify purchase order details, and document vendor performance.
Monitor inventory levels of supplies, review min/max levels, assess vendor capabilities and past performance, recommend adjustments, and collect supplier performance data.
Keep the procurement team, plant personnel, and central management abreast of changing market and supplier conditions.
Inspect, address, and rectify product quality issues as they arise.
Communicate specifications, commercial terms/conditions, and safety and environmental compliance to vendors/suppliers, shippers, and inspection personnel.
Assist in resolving procurement issues with vendors/suppliers and Gerdau departments. The incumbent will coordinate the resolution of problems or issues with appropriate administrative and accounting personnel.
Provide information to central management, regional management, plant management, and internal customers to control costs and identify savings opportunities in the procurement of goods and services.
Review the status of shipment orders and make expediting adjustments, as needed, to insure timely receipt of goods purchased and proper order application.
Resolve discrepancies primarily pertaining to specifications, weight settlement, order requirements, other clarifications and disputes with vendors/suppliers and mill personnel. Issues must be resolved professionally to maintain sound and effective relationships.
Stay proficient in procurement systems, company information systems, and other applicable business applications.
Implement the standardization and continual improvement of the procurement process and the attainment of other identified procurement Key Performance Indicators within the Gerdau Business System guidelines.