Technical Category Buyer

Cleveland-Cliffs•West Chester, PA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for a Technical Category Buyer in the Construction & Engineering Services area located in our West Chester or Cleveland HQ office locations. This role is ideal for a professional with experience in construction, engineering, project management, or maintenance within a heavy industrial environment. Prior procurement experience is not required. The Technical Category Buyer is responsible for applying sound purchasing practices to ensure competitive pricing, exceptional service, and effective supplier partnerships for construction and engineering services. This position reviews technical specifications prepared by plant personnel, manages competitive bidding processes, negotiates labor and equipment rates, assists with change order resolution, and serves as a key liaison between plant personnel, safety, legal, and suppliers to support timely project execution and resolve issues as they arise.

Requirements

Three (3) years of related experience in construction management, engineering, project management, or maintenance within a heavy industrial environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and diligent.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
Experience in a steel manufacturing environment.
Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Experience with ERP systems and/or procurement software.
Experience working with trade unions and interpreting local collective bargaining agreements.
Ability to understand and interpret commercial terms and the fundamentals of construction contracts.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with contractors and engineering service providers.
Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation.
Evaluate and negotiate labor rates, equipment rental rates, and commercial terms with suppliers.
Review project scopes and technical documents to ensure requirements are clearly defined.
Analyze bids, proposals, and requisitions to support sourcing decisions.
Prepare and issue purchase orders.
Identify and implement cost-saving measures.
Collaborate with technical personnel to clarify requirements and resolve project issues or change orders.
Administer and manage Cleveland-Cliffs standard terms and conditions with key suppliers.
Resolve supplier claims and disputes.
Advise suppliers and plant personnel on company labor billing requirements and procedures.
Partner with technical and operations teams to address supplier performance concerns.
Work with plant personnel, Accounts Payable, and suppliers to resolve invoice and payment issues.
Respond to after-hours or weekend communications only in the event of critical business emergencies.
Other duties as assigned based on business needs.