Job Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing suppliers, negotiating pricing and maintaining supply contracts for commodities such as:  Equipment Repair, Fabrication, Steel mill parts and Equipment, Bearings, Pumps, Furnace parts, Cooling equipment, and other commodity categories as assigned.  This person will interface with Management, Engineering, Plant Technicians and general maintenance personnel as well as peers within the procurement organization.

Responsibilities will include:

Provide for effective purchasing and delivery of all items within the commodities assigned, securing the best value for the company.  The following considerations are of primary importance:

Recommend and select suppliers considering quality, delivery, price, future associated cost of ownership
Expedite and schedule materials necessary to meet plant operating requirements,
Keep abreast of market conditions, particularly trends material availability and price, as well as quality of assigned commodities,
Utilizing the lowest cost transportation of purchased goods,
Negotiate/initiate new blanket orders and changes to existing blanket orders
Maintain Purchasing Department files as required

Contract oversite and management including contract renewal and termination notice timing.  Understand the contract process and makes decisions in a timely manner to allow enough time to gather competitive bids and execute new contracts in a timely manner.
Continuously strive to reduce total cost of procured goods and services.  Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, FOB location, warranty limits, and price protection in order to obtain best value for Cliffs.
Recommend adequate and satisfactory sources of supply and evaluates supplier performance.  Instruct suppliers through purchase orders, verbal communications or correspondence regarding plant requirements and deliveries of assigned commodities.
Gather, analyze, and track data on supplier performance, pricing, quality, and other areas as needed.
Actively seek and help develop new and existing diversity suppliers.  Reports supplier diversity status to Supplier Diversity program coordinator as required.
Collaborate with responsible Engineering, Maintenance and Operating supervision to secure best services, material substitution, and value.
Initiate action to resolve minor and major plant emergency purchases.
Lead and organize meetings with plants and suppliers to alleviate supply issues. Interview supplier representatives and represents Cliffs in supplier/vendor relationships.  Arrange for discussions between vendors and engineering, operating or maintenance personnel as required or directed.
Provide information to Purchasing Management and plant personnel as required to effectively purchase assigned commodities.  Makes plant and vendor visitations as directed and required to maintain an effective liaison.  Keep abreast of market conditions as to availability, price, and quality of assigned commodities.
Review assigned incoming requisitions and determines best buying methods.  Initiate aggressive purchasing action required to secure assigned items and commodities.  Maintain records, reports, and files for proper control of assigned purchasing activities.  Consult with management on problems requiring major considerations.
Update blanket contracts to reflect current prices, terms, and conditions.
Seek input from management and Legal on contract requirements and purchasing issues in a timely fashion, and takes precaution to not commit or award business without necessary approvals
Follow department policies and procedures, and participates in activities to continuously improve department workflow.
Report on commodity spend as required.
Assist others in the department as directed.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

Three to five years procurement experience and a Bachelor’s degree. Preferred degrees include:  Supply Chain Management, Business Administration with a focus on Procurement, or military equivalent
CPSM or equivalent certification is a plus.
Steel Mill or Heavy Industrial/Manufacturing experience is preferred
Strong negotiation and analytical skills
Strong research skills and knowledge of market trends
Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects at the same time
Ability to read and interpret blueprints
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Effective communication skills, both oral and written
High attention to detail
High standard of Ethics
Occasional domestic travel is required