Purchasing Manager – Scrap Aluminum

🚨 Mier Recruitment is Hiring!

📌 Position: Purchasing Manager – Scrap Aluminum

📍 Location: Chicago / Cleveland / Pittsburgh (Hybrid)

💼 Job Type: Permanent

💰 Salary: $125,000 – $145,000 per year

We are partnering with a leading client in the manufacturing industry actively seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager – Scrap Aluminum to join their team in the Chicago, Cleveland, or Pittsburgh area.

Position Overview

As a Purchasing Manager – Scrap Aluminum, you will be a key player in securing aluminum scrap for the production of aluminum-based briquettes used in molten steel deoxidation. This strategic role ensures the continuity and efficiency of raw material supply across multiple manufacturing sites, aligning procurement efforts with sales forecasts, production planning, and inventory management.

The ideal candidate will possess deep market knowledge, strong negotiation capabilities, and a proven ability to manage supplier relationships and logistics within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans to secure a consistent and cost-effective aluminum scrap supply aligned with business needs.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, negotiating favorable pricing, quality standards, and contract terms.
• Monitor industry trends, pricing indices, and market fluctuations to guide procurement decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, production, operations, and logistics to maintain optimal inventory levels and meet customer demand.
• Track and manage supplier performance through KPIs such as cost, delivery, and quality metrics.
• Ensure procurement practices adhere to environmental, regulatory, and sustainability standards.
• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives and continuous process improvements.
• Leverage ERP systems to manage purchasing operations, inventory visibility, and vendor performance.
• Partner with R&D and product development teams to enhance product offerings and support innovation initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in procurement, preferably sourcing raw materials or scrap metals in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of the aluminum scrap market, including pricing trends, supplier networks, and logistics.
• Proven ability to interpret sales and production forecasts to drive procurement strategy.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills; PowerPoint for presentations.
• Solid problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for internal and external collaboration.
• Industry experience in steel, foundry, or metal recycling is highly desirable.
• Professional certifications (CPSM, CSCP) are a plus.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and sustainability practices.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position, offering flexibility to work remotely with occasional travel (20–25%) to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, and industry events. You’ll join a collaborative team in a dynamic and evolving supply chain environment.

Interested? Apply now and be part of an innovative team driving sustainability and operational excellence in the metals industry!