Raw Materials Purchasing Mgr at Nippon Steel Pipe America Inc – Seymour, Indiana

About Company:

Small Town Commitment, World Class Quality

Safety is our number one priority. Join our team to experience small town commitment with a global presence. Nippon Steel Pipe America has been operating in Seymour, IN for over 35 years.

At Nippon Steel Pipe America, you will do more than just pack parts. We will teach you how to use gauges and calipers to ensure that the steel parts that you produce are of the highest quality. You will learn how to operate an overhead crane. You will use company provided tools to do your own set ups on your machine. You will learn how flat rolls of coiled steel are rolled into tubes, welded and cut to length.

The historic Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel partnership has positioned us to be a world-leading steelmaker, protecting and creating jobs for American steelworkers.

About the Role:

The Raw Materials Purchasing Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential raw materials required for manufacturing and production processes. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing plans that optimize cost, quality, and delivery timelines while maintaining strong supplier relationships. The manager will lead negotiations with vendors, analyze market trends, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as production, quality assurance, and finance to align purchasing activities with organizational goals. By effectively managing inventory levels and supplier performance, this role directly contributes to operational efficiency and cost savings. Ultimately, the Raw Materials Purchasing Manager ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge through reliable procurement practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, with at least 2 years in a managerial role focused on raw materials.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM).
• Experience in the manufacturing or industrial sector, particularly with raw materials relevant to the company’s products.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices and ethical sourcing standards.
• Advanced data analysis skills and experience with supply chain analytics tools.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive purchasing strategies for raw materials that align with company objectives and production schedules.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and service criteria, fostering long-term partnerships.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to secure favorable agreements and mitigate risks.
• Monitor market trends, raw material availability, and pricing fluctuations to anticipate and respond to supply chain challenges.
• Collaborate with internal departments including production, quality control, and finance to forecast demand and manage inventory levels effectively.
• Lead and mentor the purchasing team to enhance their skills and ensure adherence to procurement policies and procedures.
• Analyze purchasing data and prepare reports to inform management decisions and support continuous improvement efforts.

Skills:

The Raw Materials Purchasing Manager utilizes strong negotiation skills daily to secure optimal pricing and contract terms with suppliers, ensuring cost-effective procurement. Analytical skills are essential for evaluating market trends, supplier performance, and purchasing data to make informed decisions that support production needs and budget constraints. Leadership and communication skills are applied continuously to coordinate with internal teams and guide the purchasing staff toward achieving departmental goals. Proficiency with procurement software and ERP systems enables efficient management of purchase orders, inventory tracking, and supplier information. Additionally, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills help the manager anticipate supply chain risks and implement proactive solutions to maintain a reliable flow of raw materials.