SME INDUSTRIES

Purchasing Agent

West Jordan, UT

full_time

About This Job

Structural Steel Purchasing Agent – Role Overview

In this position, you will play a key role in acquiring the structural steel and related supplies needed for our daily operations. You will manage purchasing activities, maintain optimal inventory levels, and ensure that all procurement processes run smoothly and efficiently. Expect to work closely with vendors, shop supervisors, and other internal departments to handle day-to-day requests, coordinate delivery schedules, and provide data-driven insights for better sourcing opportunities. This position often requires you to balance shifting priorities and operate effectively under tight deadlines and high-pressure situations.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Purchasing & Material Procurement

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Source and purchase structural steel materials and related supplies in line with project demands.

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Negotiate pricing and delivery terms with suppliers to secure competitive rates and timely shipments.

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Monitor market trends and pricing fluctuations to optimize purchasing decisions.

Inventory Management

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Track and manage steel inventory levels, adjusting reorder points as needed to avoid stockouts or surpluses.

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Maintain accurate records in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., PowerFab) or relevant spreadsheets.

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Coordinate with shop supervisors and production teams to anticipate material needs and lead times.

Vendor & Supplier Relations

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Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to foster consistent communication and quality service.

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Evaluate vendor performance regularly, identifying opportunities for cost savings and improved lead times.

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Address any supply chain disruptions proactively to keep projects on schedule.

Communication & Support for the Shop

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Handle incoming phone calls, emails, and requests from shop personnel regarding material needs or urgent requirements.

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Collaborate with foremen, supervisors, and cross-functional teams to resolve supply issues quickly.

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Communicate delivery schedules, delays, or changes in availability to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.

Data Evaluation & Strategic Sourcing

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Collect, analyze, and interpret purchasing data (pricing, usage trends, etc.) to inform strategic sourcing decisions.

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Identify areas of cost reduction or process improvement within procurement and inventory management.

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Provide regular updates and reports to management on spending, budget status, and potential savings.

Pressure & Workload Management

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Manage multiple purchasing requests simultaneously, prioritizing based on project timelines and urgency.

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Remain calm and solutions-focused during high-pressure periods, such as project ramps or unforeseen supply chain disruptions.

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Adapt quickly to changes in workload and supply demands, ensuring team members are kept informed and supported.

Required Skills & Qualifications

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Procurement Experience: Proven background in purchasing, ideally within the structural steel, construction, or manufacturing sector.

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ERP/MRP Proficiency: Comfort working with systems like PowerFab or comparable software for order entry, inventory tracking, and reporting.

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Knowledge of Structural Steel: Familiarity with various steel grades, shapes, and industry terminology is strongly preferred.

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Strong Negotiation Skills: Ability to secure favorable terms, rates, and delivery times while maintaining positive supplier relationships.

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Organizational & Communication Skills: Able to handle shifting priorities, clearly relay information, and juggle multiple tasks.

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Data-Driven Mindset: Skilled at collecting, analyzing, and using data to drive cost savings and efficiency improvements.

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Calm Under Pressure: Comfortable making quick decisions and problem-solving during peak workloads or unexpected challenges.

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Collaborative Approach: Works well cross-functionally to ensure smooth operations, from suppliers to shop floor personnel.

Interested candidates should demonstrate solid organizational habits, a proactive approach, and a knack for building strong vendor relationships. This role offers the chance to shape our purchasing strategy and keep daily operations running smoothly—often at a fast pace. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy the challenge of keeping materials flowing efficiently, we’d love to hear from you.

ABOUT US:

SME Steel Contractors has provided comprehensive structural steel fabrication and erection since 1992 and is one of the largest fabricators/erectors of structural steel in the United States. Driven to be different from all others, SME is a division 5 company with a commitment to safety, value, and innovation. Visit https://smesteel.com/ to learn more. SME Steel Contractors is a division of SME Industries, Inc.

Why Join Us?

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Health and Wellness Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance.

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Financial Benefits including competitive compensation and 401(k) plan.

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Additional Benefits including Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off, Employee Assistance Program, and more.

Position Responsibilities:This job posting reflects the current assignment of essential functions and is not meant to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may be assigned or reassigned to this position at any time.

Equal Employment Opportunity: SME Industries, Inc. and its divisions (SME Steel Contractors, Southwest Steel, CoreBrace, DuraFuse, and SME Logistics) is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law.

Employment Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored work authorization now or in the future. Proof of eligibility will be required upon hire.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

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401(k)

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401(k) matching

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Dental insurance

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Employee assistance program

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Health insurance

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Health savings account

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Life insurance

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Paid time off

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Vision insurance

Schedule:

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Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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