Category Buyer at Cleveland Cliffs

Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for a Category Buyer, MRO Mechanical position in the Procurement Department. This position will work out of one of the following locations: East Chicago, IN, or West Chester, OH. The primary function of this position is to coordinate and manage the strategic procurement process for assigned categories ensuring the cost- effective acquisition of goods and services across all Cleveland-Cliffs business units. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the development and execution of procurement strategies, bid process and negotiations, project management, supplier relationship management, and contract management.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Provide for effective purchasing and delivery of all items within the commodities assigned, securing the best value for the company. 
• Recommend and select suppliers considering quality, delivery, price, future associated cost of ownership
• Expedite and schedule materials necessary to meet plant operating requirements,
• Keep abreast of market conditions, particularly trends material availability and price, as well as quality of assigned commodities,
• Negotiate/initiate new blanket orders and changes to existing blanket orders
• Contract oversite and management including contract renewal and termination notice timing. 
• Recommend adequate and satisfactory sources of supply and evaluates supplier performance.  Instruct suppliers through purchase orders, verbal communications or correspondence regarding plant requirements and deliveries of assigned commodities.
• Actively seek and help develop new and existing diversity suppliers.  Reports supplier diversity status to Supplier Diversity program coordinator as required.
• Collaborate with responsible Engineering, Maintenance and Operating supervision to secure best services, material substitution, and value.
• Lead and organize meetings with plants and suppliers to alleviate supply issues. Interview supplier representatives and represents Cliffs in supplier/vendor relationships.  Arrange for discussions between vendors and engineering, operating or maintenance personnel as required or directed.
• Provide information to Purchasing Management and plant personnel as required to effectively purchase assigned commodities.
• Makes plant and vendor visitations as directed and required to maintain an effective liaison.  Keep abreast of market conditions as to availability, price, and quality of assigned commodities
• Initiate aggressive purchasing action required to secure assigned items and commodities.
• Seek input from management and Legal on contract requirements and purchasing issues in a timely fashion, and takes precaution to not commit or award business without necessary approvals

​Minimum Qualifications:

• BS or BA in Business or Supply Chain
• At least 5 years of procurement, commodity management or other strategic sourcing experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment 
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Strong research skills and knowledge of market trends
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects at the same time
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics or Engineering
• Demonstrated proficiency using Oracle, Ellipse and/or Tabware Purchasing/Sourcing systems.
• CPSM or equivalent certification
• Steel Mill or Heavy Industrial/Manufacturing experience
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written
• High attention to detail
• High standard of Ethics

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including top pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off and more!

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.