Senior Purchasing Agent

CF&I Steel, L.P.•Pueblo, CO

10d•Onsite

About The Position

At CF&I Steel, L.P., our strength starts with our people! As a team we collaborate to solve problems, contribute ideas and challenge each other to ensure growth and ultimately success for the business and our employees. Rocky Mountain Steel Mills is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Purchasing Agent to lead procurement initiatives across the organization. This individual will be responsible for managing complex sourcing projects, optimizing supplier performance, and driving cost-reduction strategies while ensuring compliance with company standards. The ideal candidate brings extensive purchasing experience, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to mentor junior team members. Rocky Mountain Steel Mills is committed to maintaining and promoting a safe, healthy and injury-free environment. It is required for all jobs.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Expert-level negotiation, supplier evaluation, and contract management skills.
Strong analytical and financial acumen.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (SAP or Oracle preferred).
Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Effective communicator able to influence across all levels of the organization.
Committed to continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
All applicants must be eligible to work in the USA.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering or a related field preferred.
Professional certifications (e.g., CPM, CPSM, CSCP) preferred.
Experience in the steel industry or heavy manufacturing is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead sourcing efforts for high-value goods and services; managing supplier selection, contract negotiations, and purchasing decisions aligned with company goals.
Establish and strengthen long-term vendor partnerships. Evaluate supplier performance and ensure alignment with cost, quality, and delivery expectations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Maintenance, and Operations to forecast demand, reduce excess inventory, and improve inventory turnover.
Analyze industry trends, market conditions, and commodity pricing to proactively identify risks and opportunities that support procurement strategy.
Draft and oversee procurement contracts, manage risk exposure, and ensure compliance with all regulatory and internal requirements.
Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in purchasing processes. Monitors spend and supplier pricing to achieve budgetary targets.
Provide guidance and support to junior purchasing staff; assist the Purchasing Manager with training and process standardization across sites.
Prepare advanced procurement reports and dashboards to support decision-making. Maintain accurate documentation and purchasing records for audits and reviews.
Manage end-to-end inventory functions, including receiving, issuing, and cycle counting of parts and materials.