What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commodity Buyer - Metals position at Avancer?
MEC - Commidity Buyer - Metals
Territory: Grand Rapids, MI, Detroit, MI , Chicago IL
We’re so glad you are interested in the Commodity Buyer - Metals role. This newly created position will be based out of a Corporate Office Byron Center, MI. As a team member/owner at MEC, you will lead and drive Purchasing processes through the organization. You will need to ensure products meet quality, delivery, and specification requirements at the lowest possible total landed cost. The Commodity Buyer will develop and implement long term sourcing strategies, to obtain optimal value for the enterprise, all while building strong supplier relationships.
Why Work for MEC?
We don’t want to brag, but we are honored to be the largest fabricator in the nation for 11 years in a row. In fact, you can find MEC on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MEC). This would not be possible without the hard work and dedication from our 2,500 plus team members. MEC is an employee-owned company meaning, what YOU do on an everyday basis impacts our success as a company. We are also proud to be a company that is highly involved and actively supports the communities in which our facilities are located.
Founded in 1945, MEC is a manufacturer that provides a broad range of Prototyping, Metal Fabrication, Tube Bending, Machining, Welding, Coating, and Value-Added Assembly services to a variety of markets including Commercial Vehicle, Power Sports & Recreational Vehicles, Agriculture, Construction & Forestry, Military, Mining, Automotive, and Power Generation. We continue to have an aggressive growth plan, operating 20 manufacturing facilities which are strategically located near our customers.
A role like this comes with some important responsibilities, some of those responsibilities include:
• Commodity Strategy Development and Execution: Develop and implement sound commodity sourcing strategies within the steel (coil and sheet) and aluminum (coil and sheet) commodities that will bring optimal value to the enterprise. Bring your deep commodity knowledge and market intel on board to ensure best-in-class cost management of MEC’s critical raw materials.
• Negotiation: Apply firm but fair negotiation practices utilizing an organized data- driven approach for optimal results that drive lowest total landed cost, on-time delivery, all while meeting or exceeding MEC quality standards.
• Total Cost Management: Attain cost reduction goals through detailed cost/spend analysis, cost model development and implementation, supplier lean events, or through the use of various other cost management tools.
• Materials Planning & Management: Understand forecasting, demand planning, scheduling and inventory management tools and concepts necessary to analyze optimal placement and velocity of materials required in the manufacturing and distribution process. Also, experience in management of directed buy steel programs is a plus.
• Optimize Commodity Execution: Reduce waste and redundancy by identifying like materials as candidates for potential SKU count reduction, identify and execute supply base consolidation opportunities, and develop and implement a robust process to ensure continuity with the internal sales team.
What Does It Take to Be a Fit for This Role?
BA/BS degree in a business-related field, supply chain management, or equivalent.
Minimum of 4 years of working experience in purchasing and/or supply chain.
Experience in the procurement of carbon steel (coil and sheet) and/or aluminum (coil and sheet).
The ability to take independent actions based on sound decision making and problem- solving skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the organization.
Excellent project management. Ability to lead cross-functional teams to produce high- level work product within tight timeframes.
Proficient to expert level in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and data analytics.
Ability and willing to travel up to 25% of the time to other MEC locations and supplier
sites within the Midwest.
Leadership Competencies
Change and Adaptability: Challenges the status quo and champions new and innovative ideas. Adapts to changing circumstances. Gains awareness for, and an understanding of, the position of stakeholders regarding change.
Drive for Results: Raises performance standards and strives for superior performance. Sets aggressive goals, measures performance and drives improvement. Assumes personal accountability for meeting deadlines despite challenges.
Initiative: Engages in the workplace by taking on responsibility above and beyond stated job. Anticipates and acts upon future changes and needs. Seeks information on trends and issues that impact the job and enhances own understanding of the business.
Interpersonal Skills: Expresses ideas and exchanges information clearly and persuasively. Demonstrates strong professional presence. Delivers information effectively using appropriate media. Communicates openly and honestly to all levels of the organization. Shares relevant information with others.
Networking: Cultivates networks and has direct access to people internally and externally who are sources of knowledge necessary for getting the job done. Uses local and corporate resources effectively and efficiently. Listens and seeks to understand others’ points of view.
Problem Solving: Identifies and surfaces issues in a constructive manner and recommends solutions. Uses creative and innovative approaches to find solutions. Evaluates alternatives, calculates risks, and makes well-informed decisions.
Self-Management: Regulates own work commitments, time, performance level, and career within the workplace, including self-development. Is effective at planning and organizing; tracking and follow-up; and managing multiple priorities.
Teamwork: Assumes joint responsibility for work activities. Works collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues to accomplish shared goals. Shares information and feedback openly to build/strengthen relationships with peers.
