Buyer Job Details | Gerdau

BASIC FUNCTION:

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.

DIMENSIONS:

Annual Purchases: $10 - $50 million per year

Locations Supported: All Mill and Metallics/Raw Materials locations within the region

Commodity/Category Assignments: 1 commodity/category for assigned region

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Within an assigned procurement region, this position is responsible for managing and defining the procurement process of necessary goods and services in a timely, economical, and efficient manner in order to meet mill manufacturing goals. Goals are met by implementing and maintaining effective relationships with current Commodity/Category suppliers as well as developing new supply sources within their designated area. The Buyer will coordinate activities with procurement, logistics, plant management, operations, maintenance, stores, and accounting personnel in efforts to meet particular supply and demand goals.

The incumbent should possess general knowledge of the steelmaking industry, manufacturing, industrial relations, logistics and procurement procedures and techniques. A bachelor's degree in business administration, Engineering, Economics, or related field or at least 5 years of direct procurement experience required.

The incumbent must be a self-starter, possess strong skills in communications, math and problem-solving skills, and be able to function effectively independently and as a member of a cross-functional team. High ethical standards and a strong work ethic are key attributes. Incumbent will support commercial practices based on established policies to ensure fair, ethical, and productive relationships with suppliers.

This position may be required to travel to complete job duties, and to maintain an effective network of vendors/suppliers, mill personnel, and industry organizations, approximately 10-20%.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• 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.