The primary responsibility for a Buyer II is the timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services to support production plans throughout a procurement region, per designated commodities/categories. These activities include, but are not limited to the negotiations, maintenance, and execution of national, regional and/or local supplier agreements, as well as, facilitating team-based supplier selection and overall contract management. The incumbent will participate with applicable central commodity teams to develop effective procurement strategies to minimize total costs of category acquisitions then execute approved plans.
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.
Annual Purchases: $15 - $75 million per year
Locations Supported: All Mill, Downstream, and Metallics/Raw Materials locations within the region
Commodity/Category Assignments: Multiple commodities/categories for assigned region
This position is responsible for purchasing goods and services in a timely, economical, and efficient manner. The Buyer II oversees all purchasing activities, maintenance, and execution of the procurement process to meet commercial, operating, and cost requirements. Incumbent will participate in the development of tactical plans for procurement, establishing and maintaining effective relations with the supplier base, and the active execution and implementation of national, regional and local supply contracts.
The incumbent should possess knowledge of the steelmaking industry, manufacturing, industrial relations, logistics, procurement procedures, and the ability to analyze technical drawings. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Economics or related field or at least 6-9 years of direct procurement experience, generating and implementing contracts, as well as, managing purchase orders, documenting negotiations, communications and accounting, taxes, and legal implications is required. A professional certification in procurement or supply chain management preferred.
The incumbent must be a self-starter, and possess strong skills in negotiations, communications, math, analysis and problem-solving. The incumbent must be able to function independently and as a member of a cross-functional team. High ethical standards, leadership and a strong work ethic are also key attributes. This position requires extensive knowledge of Quality Management Methodologies.
Incumbent should also possess key competencies that are critical to the position. This includes proven consistent high performance in previous positions, live Gerdau’s Principals, highly motivated by new challenges, effectively collaborates up and down the organization, values diversity & inclusion, demonstrates emotional intelligence in their everyday activities, and has an ownership mindset.
The position will require travel to complete job duties and maintain effective relationships with vendors, mill personnel, and industry organizations; approximately 10-20%.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
-
Monitor and maintain continuity of supply and on time delivery as well as physical, safety-related, and environmental aspects of materials purchased. Settle procurement discrepancies within management guidelines to maintain standards and ongoing supply chain activities.
-
Collaborate with the procurement team to develop purchasing processes and to determine the best available costs, quality, reliability, continuity and delivery relative to the total cost of ownership.
-
Gather data, then report activities and regional results to central management, regional management, plant management, and internal customers to help control costs and identify savings opportunities. Occasional presentations will be made to management teams.
-
Contribute to the reduction of inventory throughout the region by working with suppliers to monitor, regulate, and liquidate materials. Take corrective actions, when necessary, to support changing conditions in mill demand, supply chain dynamics, etc. Periodic evaluations of Inventory Min/Max levels.
-
Assist in the development and achievement of process goals, Annual Action Plans, and the administration of established policies, procedures, and processes.
-
Manage supply agreements between Central and Region keeping the agreements updated as to pricing, demand, balance and monitor Gerdau and Supplier performance to said agreements in order to ensure the continuity of supply and the commercial relationship.
-
Facilitate sessions to communicate procurement improvement methodologies, tools, policies, practices, and processes to regional procurement teams.
-
Manage the acquisition of CapEx equipment and ensure services are carried out according to technical specifications and meeting internal customer needs. Additional CapEx duties may include: management of milestone payments; monitoring of obligations of both the supplier and Gerdau, monitoring and expediting of manufacturing and construction timelines. The incumbent must have a working knowledge of foreign trade and INCO Terms as well as contractual terms and conditions related to the purchase of equipment and construction services.