Raw Materials Buyer

THREADED FASTENERS INC•Mobile, AL

About The Position

The Raw Materials Buyer owns the Company's day-to-day raw material procurement activities to ensure timely, cost-effective purchasing that supports manufacturing operations and inventory requirements. The role manages supplier communications, inventory replenishment, purchasing documentation, and administration of stock and release contracts, while coordinating across departments to maintain material availability and support operational efficiency and profitability. The position monitors inventory, coordinates deliveries and supplier issue resolution, tracks material and freight costs, and uses ERP and purchasing systems to manage procurement. It supports purchasing strategy and sourcing activities under management direction and ensures purchasing work complies with Company policies and applicable environmental, safety, and ethical business standards. Major sourcing initiatives, inventory strategy, and capital purchasing decisions remain under the direction of the Executive Vice President of Manufacturing. Performance is measured by material availability, inventory turns and accuracy, supplier on-time delivery, purchasing cost savings, contract compliance, freight cost management, stockout prevention, and support of production scheduling. Minimal travel is required; occasional travel to suppliers, warehouses, or industry-related locations may be necessary.

Requirements

Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and purchasing-related reporting tools.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build effective working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field.
Experience with P21 software or comparable ERP/MRP systems.
Knowledge of fasteners, steel products, or industrial raw materials.

Responsibilities

Purchase raw materials required for production and inventory replenishment.
Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with management to maintain appropriate stocking quantities.
Assist in developing purchasing strategies for raw material sourcing and inventory optimization.
Support mill-direct purchasing and supplier negotiations as directed.
Participate in reviewing, negotiating, administering, and managing stock and release agreements.
Release materials under supplier contracts to maintain inventory availability.
Coordinate vendor returns and resolve material discrepancies with Receiving and Warehouse personnel.
Maintain purchasing records and documentation in a systematic, retrievable manner.
Communicate industry trends, supplier developments, pricing changes, and product opportunities to management.
Track freight-related costs and ensure appropriate allocation of expenses to inventory.
Use ERP and purchasing systems to manage procurement activities and improve operational efficiency.
Review requisitions for proper approvals, specifications, and account coding.
Coordinate with Receiving to ensure purchased materials are delivered accurately and on schedule.
Investigate and expedite late deliveries and supplier performance issues.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement, inventory management, and supplier relationships.
Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and ethical business standards.