PROCUREMENT MANAGER

BASIC FUNCTION:

This position’s primary responsibility is to provide leadership to the procurement team supporting one of Gerdau North America’s business units (GSN and GLN Canada Operations).  The Procurement Manager will ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services to support the production plans of Gerdau throughout the designated procurement region / business division.  The Procurement Manager will be responsible for reducing product costs, managing and supporting supplier programs, meeting cost reduction objectives for direct and indirect materials and services, and exceeding internal customer expectations.  The incumbent works directly with the Regional and Central Procurement Teams in developing a strategic direction throughout their area in order to improve profitability and manage working capital.  These activities include but are not limited to the execution of supplier agreements and purchase orders, management of supplier quality and performance, conducting cost-savings initiatives, and ensuring compliance to established policies and procedures.  The incumbent is responsible for the supervision and development of a team of Buyers and other Procurement personnel in order to support the business operations.

DIMENSIONS:

Annual Purchases:                                $50 – 100+ million per year

Locations Supported:                            Mills and other business division operations within their area

Commodity/Category Assignments:       All assignments within a region: Production Materials, MRO, Services/By Products, and CAPEX

Supervisory Responsibility:                   1 – 5+ direct reports (Buyers, Clerks, and other Procurement support staff)

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position reports to either the Regional Procurement Manager or to the Director of Procurement with dotted-line responsibility to the relevant Business Division leadership.  The Procurement Manager is responsible for purchasing goods and materials in a timely, economical, and efficient manner.   The Procurement Manager is responsible for the maintenance and execution of the Procurement process to meet commercial, operating, and cost requirements.  The incumbent will participate in the development of tactical plans for procurement in direct support of the business unit(s) they support.  This involves establishing and maintaining effective relations with the supplier base and the active execution and implementation of national, regional, and local supply contracts.  This position oversees and manages the acquisition of materials, services, and equipment within the region, adhering to company standards and established commodity strategies, while ensuring the lowest total cost, desired quality, and required delivery terms.

Qualifications for this position include:

• Four-year degree in Business, Engineering, Economics or related field.  
• Five (5) years of related procurement experience including a minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory role is required.
• A professional certification in procurement/ supply chain management (C.P.M., CPSM) is preferred.  
• In addition, the incumbent should possess knowledge of contract terms and conditions, purchasing systems (SAP and/or other ERP software), manufacturing operations, and strategic sourcing. 
• Incumbent must be capable of generating and implementing contracts and managing purchase orders relative to all aspects of documenting the negotiations, communications, and accounting, tax, and legal implications of these transactions.  
• Incumbent must have an excellent working knowledge of Manufacturing Processes, Management Systems, Operational Routines and Procedures, and the ability to analyze Technical Drawings and Specifications. 
• The ability to build strong integrated teams while fostering the professional and personal development of team members is an absolute must.
• The incumbent must be a self-starter with strong skills in team leadership, data analysis, and problem-solving.
• The ability to lead negotiations and manage communications with Gerdau’s suppliers is required.
• The incumbent must have the ability to function both effectively and independently as a member of a cross-functional team. 
• High ethical standards, leadership, and a strong work ethic are also key attributes. 

The position will require travel to complete job duties and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, mill personnel, and regional & central Procurement, 10 – 20%.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITES:

• Maintain a current and thorough knowledge of appropriate local and regional markets and competitive practices. 

• Serve as a liaison with the supplier community.  They will establish and maintain effective supplier and market relationships to accomplish this goal.  Responsibilities include settlement of discrepancies within management guidelines, maintaining standards, and coordinating ongoing supply chain activities within their business division scope.  The incumbent also monitors and maintains continuity of supply and on time delivery, as well as the physical, safety-related and environmental aspects of materials purchased.

• Collaborate with other members of the procurement team to develop the purchasing process and to achieve best possible cost, quality, reliability, continuity and delivery relative to the Total Cost of Ownership.  The incumbent will review and assess vendor capabilities and past performance.  The incumbent will execute purchase orders and contracts in compliance with company policy and guidelines, and will assure vendor performance.

• Provide information to central management, plant management, and internal customers to help control costs and identify savings opportunities in the procurement of goods and services.

• Maintain a solid working knowledge of the Steel Making Process, Procurement Systems, and Operational Routines and Procedures.  Will assist in the development and contribute to the achievement of process goals (KPI’s).  This position is a critical element in the development and execution of the Annual Action Plan and the administration of established policies, procedures, and processes.

• Oversee the acquisition of capital equipment and ensure that services are carried out according to technical specifications and meeting internal customer needs. Additional responsibilities within CapEx acquisitions will include the effective management of milestone payments; monitoring and expediting equipment manufacturing and construction timelines, and monitoring of the contractual obligations between the supplier and Gerdau. The incumbent must have a working knowledge of foreign trade and INCOTERMS as well as contractual terms and conditions related to the purchase of indirect and direct materials and services.

• Resolve discrepancies primarily pertaining to specifications, weight settlement, order requirements, invoice payment and other disputes with suppliers and mill personnel, within established policies.  Issues must be resolved professionally to maintain sound and effective relationships with Gerdau’s suppliers and internal customers.

• Maintain proficiency in procurement systems, with proficiency in company information systems and other business applications.

• Standardize and continuously improve the procurement process according to Gerdau’s Procurement Policies and Procedures.  Incumbent will be accountable for individual, team and departmental attainment of established Key Performance Indicators directly related to the procurement process.

• Incumbent will be responsible for the management and development of their support staff in order to continuously improve the knowledge and competencies of their team.