Supply Chain, Steel Buyer (Birmingham)
Harvard Group International, Birmingham, AL, United States
SUPPLY CHAIN, STEEL BUYER
ROLE OVERVIEW
This role sits at the center of a developing supply chain organization and is focused on stabilizing and improving purchasing, inventory visibility, and day-to-day execution for the Birmingham operation. Reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the Steel Buyer will serve as the on-site owner of purchasing activity—responsible for ensuring materials are sourced, tracked, and delivered effectively while reducing escalation and inefficiency. This is a highly hands-on role with immediate impact, particularly for someone who thrives in environments where processes are still being built and wants to play a direct role in creating structure, accountability, and operational discipline.
WHY THIS ROLE
• Build the Foundation: This is not a maintenance role—you will help shape how supply chain operates as the function evolves into a more structured, data-driven model.
• High Visibility & Ownership: You will be the go-to person for Birmingham purchasing operations, with direct access to and trust from leadership.
• Fix What’s Broken: The environment is currently reactive—this role is about bringing organization, follow-through, and control to critical processes.
• Real Impact, Quickly: Your ability to improve execution and visibility will be felt immediately across operations, sales, and leadership.
• Growth Opportunity: As the supply chain function matures, there is clear potential for expanded scope and increased responsibility.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Own purchasing execution for steel and related materials supporting Birmingham operations
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure timely, cost-effective procurement
• Maintain and improve inventory visibility, accuracy, and alignment with demand
• Act as the primary point of contact for resolving purchasing and material-related issues
• Identify and address gaps in ERP (Oracle) usage, data accuracy, and reporting
• Drive improved processes, follow-up, and coordination across operations and sales
REQUIREMENTS
• 3+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience within manufacturing
• Experience buying steel or metals strongly preferred
• ERP/MRP experience required (Oracle preferred), with ability to work within and improve systems
• Strong organizational, analytical, and follow-up skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Self-starter with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset
COMPENSATION
A meaningful compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate that includes a base salary plus performance-based bonus.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter, preferably in MS Word format, to
Derek Bush dbush@harvardsearch.com
A fully detailed, formal specification will be sent to “top-level”, qualified candidates.
ROLE OVERVIEW
This role sits at the center of a developing supply chain organization and is focused on stabilizing and improving purchasing, inventory visibility, and day-to-day execution for the Birmingham operation. Reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the Steel Buyer will serve as the on-site owner of purchasing activity—responsible for ensuring materials are sourced, tracked, and delivered effectively while reducing escalation and inefficiency. This is a highly hands-on role with immediate impact, particularly for someone who thrives in environments where processes are still being built and wants to play a direct role in creating structure, accountability, and operational discipline.
WHY THIS ROLE
• Build the Foundation: This is not a maintenance role—you will help shape how supply chain operates as the function evolves into a more structured, data-driven model.
• High Visibility & Ownership: You will be the go-to person for Birmingham purchasing operations, with direct access to and trust from leadership.
• Fix What’s Broken: The environment is currently reactive—this role is about bringing organization, follow-through, and control to critical processes.
• Real Impact, Quickly: Your ability to improve execution and visibility will be felt immediately across operations, sales, and leadership.
• Growth Opportunity: As the supply chain function matures, there is clear potential for expanded scope and increased responsibility.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Own purchasing execution for steel and related materials supporting Birmingham operations
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure timely, cost-effective procurement
• Maintain and improve inventory visibility, accuracy, and alignment with demand
• Act as the primary point of contact for resolving purchasing and material-related issues
• Identify and address gaps in ERP (Oracle) usage, data accuracy, and reporting
• Drive improved processes, follow-up, and coordination across operations and sales
REQUIREMENTS
• 3+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience within manufacturing
• Experience buying steel or metals strongly preferred
• ERP/MRP experience required (Oracle preferred), with ability to work within and improve systems
• Strong organizational, analytical, and follow-up skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Self-starter with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset
COMPENSATION
A meaningful compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate that includes a base salary plus performance-based bonus.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter, preferably in MS Word format, to
Derek Bush dbush@harvardsearch.com
A fully detailed, formal specification will be sent to “top-level”, qualified candidates.