Outside Buyer

The Outside Buyer reports to the Regional Accounts Manager. This position is an outside sales role, responsible for generating purchases of scrap metals (both Ferrous and Non-Ferrous) for the book of business within his/her defined geographic area. Incumbent must have external sales/account management experience and will visit facilities of current and potential suppliers within their area which may include scrap metal dealers, demolition contractors, industrial manufacturers, auto wreckers, and any other scrap metal generating project or company. The Outside Buyer continually seeks new opportunities to buy scrap and develops relationships leading to the acquisition of all grades of metals.

The Outside Buyer will focus on developing and building customer/supplier relationships and negotiating prices and long-term contracts that build, grow, and retain the supplier base. Incumbent must be knowledgeable of all different types of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous scrap grades to assess the value, quality, and the required processing to maximize profit for the company. The Outside Buyer will work with several cross-functioning teams within the organization to successfully maximize volume and margin requirements based on the commercial strategy.

This buyer will be knowledgeable about the transportation, grading, handling, and processing costs for all commodities and possess a thorough understanding of the current pricing strategy. The Outside Buyer will understand current market conditions and be cognizant of customer’s and competitor’s pricing.

Essential Functions:

• Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S)
  • Ensures safe work practices and equipment are always used and that documentation and current practices are in accordance with company safety policies, OSHA, and other regulatory guidelines. In addition, provides a safe environment for employees, customers, and visitors.
  • Communicates and reinforces MRB’s position on scrap acceptance in line with Environmental, Health, and Safety regulations.

• Operational Performance & Best Business Practices
  • Communicates daily with current and potential suppliers, both in person and over the phone.
  • Fosters current relationships and develops/expands supplier base.
  • Communicates daily with other facilities per purchase contracts or known commitments.
  • Educates and trains customers on scrap quality and acceptance policy; monitors to ensure compliance with current regulations.
  • Competitive Bid Preparation:
    • Prepares and submits bids in response to request for quotes.
    • Works with the Inside Buyer to prepare standard bid forms for approval by the Regional Director of Commercial Operations.

• • • Calculates resources that will be needed to support the bid offering requirements.

• Metals Purchasing.
  • Communicates daily with the Regional Account Manager or Director of Commercial Operations when confirming bids or pricing requests that come in for a significant quantity of material.
  • Reviews current market conditions and the company’s inventory position with the Commercial Operations team to obtain guidance before making significant or long-term purchases.

• • Encourages suppliers to move product to the facilities as quickly as possible.

• • Advance Payments.
    • Advances payments to suppliers in accordance with published MRB and regional policy.
• Servicing of Existing Supplier Base (50% of work week)
  • Reviews transactions and purchase activities daily.
  • Ensures proper pricing is on hand for the Commercial Operations team and Scale Receiving teams.
  • Verifies that the scale purchase system has the latest pricing and coordinates with the facility’s Office Manager to ensure the pricing is continuously brought up to date.
  • Entertains and maintains a requisite relationship with key top-tier customers to ensure the best customer service and added value experience for our suppliers/customers.

• Marketing & Business Development (25% of work week)
  • Works with the Regional Account Manager to develop a written plan of action.
  • Spends approximately 25% of the work week in search of new business to build his/her own book of business.
  • Portrays a positive image for Schnitzer Metals Recycling Business (MRB) during discussions or visits with customers.

• Administrative Management (25% of work week)
  • Coordinates with office staff to ensure accurate and timely documentation of all purchasing transactions.
  • Provides weekly reports on number of visits to customers, quantity and quality of material purchased, follow-up action that is anticipated or required, expense reports, etc.
  • Monitors and maintains exempt and and/or hourly staff at cost effective and competitive levels.
  • Monitors supervisory practices for self and direct reports to ensure compliance with HR policies and union contracts, as applicable.
  • Reviews performance of direct reports.
  • Interviews prospective management and/or production employees.
  • Works with Human Resources personnel to prepare job descriptions.

• Special Projects
  1. Performs special projects or other duties as needed or assigned.

Internal Control Responsibilities:

Supports the Company’s Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business.

Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.

Job Conditions:

Average office environment: occasional exposure to dirt and dust related to scrap yard environment. Work pressure can be substantial during peak times, requiring considerable adaptability; disturbances of workflow, and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected to occur on an intermittent basis. Offsite work involves meeting in person with current or potential customers and visiting other Schnitzer locations. Regional travel required.

Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions: (see standard available bullets)

Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time, up to 6-8 hours per day; bend at waist; operate a vehicle, use hands to write or keyboard; assemble papers, staple; photocopy; use ten-key; be mobile within an average office environment; and communicate by phone and in person in a professional manner. Visual acuity to read detailed documents, inspect material and use a computer.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business is preferred, but not required, in addition to 5+ years industry sales experience and/or 5-10 years’ experience as a metal buyer in the scrap industry. This position requires possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive an automobile.