Buyer

simsmetalm•Chicago, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in Australia in 1917, Sims Limited (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling and circular solutions for technology. We play a critical role in advancing circularity and decarbonisation by supplying recycled materials and re-purposed products that help preserve our planet. At Sims, we believe in developing our people. With a strong promote-from-within philosophy and a range of programmes that support continuous learning, we offer opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers. Employing more than 4,100 people worldwide, we operate over 155 facilities across 13 countries. As an ASX-listed company, Sims provides the stability, transparency, and professional growth opportunities of a publicly traded organisation, all driven by our purpose: to create a world without waste.

Requirements

Prior scrap metal buyer or scrap metal trader experience is a MUST.
Three or more years of demonstrated "scrap metal" buying or trading experience.
Three or more years of experience in the scrap business, preferably as a buyer.
Proven ability to work independently and manage territory planning.
Comfortable visiting job sites, machine shops, yards, and industrial facilities.
Solid understanding of basic ferrous and non-ferrous metal categories.
Proficiency with MS Office
Ability to work in a team environment
Excellent time-management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong cold-calling and follow-up skills
Excellent negotiating skills
Valid driver’s license
Strong people skills with the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
Comfortable with both in-person and phone communication.
Negotiation & Sales - Proven ability to negotiate scrap material purchases.
Experience working with steel scrap dealers to secure timely, cost-effective deliveries.

Responsibilities

Represent the Sims Metal division in acquiring scrap metal, including pricing of material, pricing and coordinating transportation, sourcing of scrap material, communicating with vendors, maintaining business relationships, negotiating payment terms, negotiating specification of materials, visiting suppliers, and coordinating with appropriate parties.
Assist in special projects as required.
Build and maintain relationships with new and existing suppliers to secure steady ferrous and non-ferrous flows.
Oversee customer interactions and retention efforts at the facility.
Greet customers, analyze scrap materials, and authorize pricing overrides when appropriate.
Ensure all suppliers receive a high-quality customer experience.
Resolve customer complaints and concerns.
Maintain and update facility scoreboards used for customer communication.
Conduct supplier surveys to gather feedback and improve services.
Coordinate customer appreciation events.
Identify new purchasing opportunities through site visits, cold calls, and industry networking.
Negotiate pricing and contracts aligned with market conditions and profitability goals.
Support Commercial Managers in meeting supplier needs, including quality inspections and payment processes.
Work with operations staff on grading and quality of incoming materials.
Collaborate with operations and transportation teams to ensure efficient handling and logistics.
Exercise independent judgment when approving downgrades.
Respond to inbound commercial calls and quote requests promptly, ensuring backup coverage when unavailable.
Cold-call potential suppliers and maintain a tracking database of outreach results.
Establish new supplier accounts through site visits, quoting, and transportation coordination.
Transition large, long-term accounts to Commercial Managers once established.
Provide accurate grading, scale tickets, and settlement information to suppliers upon request.
Plan and execute marketing, outreach, and customer retention programs.
Lead implementation of the Scrap Acceptance Policy/Agreement at the facility.
Stay current on federal, state, and local regulations related to scrap metal recycling.
Ensure applicable regulations are implemented at the facility.
Gather and analyze market data on pricing trends, local projects, and supply availability.
Assist in responses to RFBs and RFPs for inbound materials.
Produce weekly Facility Reports on buy performance versus targets.
Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier profiles.
Report weekly activities and schedules to the supervisor to align with objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned.