Procurement Manager

Overview

Primary responsibility is to provide leadership to the procurement team supporting Gerdau North America’s business units (GSN and GLN Canada Operations). The Procurement Manager ensures the timely, cost‑effective procurement of goods and services to support production plans throughout the designated region or business division. The role focuses on reducing product costs, managing supplier programs, meeting cost‑reduction objectives for direct and indirect materials and services, and exceeding internal customer expectations.

The incumbent works closely with Regional and Central Procurement Teams to develop strategic direction, improve profitability, and manage working capital. Activities include execution of supplier agreements and purchase orders, management of supplier quality and performance, cost‑savings initiatives, and compliance with established policies and procedures. The position also supervises and develops a team of Buyers and other procurement staff.

• Maintain a current and thorough knowledge of local and regional markets and competitive practices.
• Serve as a liaison with the supplier community, establishing and maintaining effective relationships to achieve desired outcomes.
• Collaborate with procurement team members to develop purchasing processes and achieve best possible cost, quality, reliability, continuity and delivery related to total cost of ownership.
• Provide information to central management, plant management and internal customers to help control costs and identify savings opportunities.
• Maintain a solid working knowledge of steel‑making processes, procurement systems and operational routines, contributing to KPI achievement.
• Oversee acquisition of capital equipment, ensuring services meet technical specifications and internal customer needs, and manage milestone payments, construction timelines and contractual obligations.
• Resolve discrepancies regarding specifications, weight settlement, orders, invoice payment and other disputes with suppliers and mill personnel professionally.
• Maintain proficiency in procurement systems and other business applications.
• Standardize and continuously improve procurement processes in accordance with Gerdau’s policies and procedures, driving individual, team and departmental attainment of key performance indicators.
• Manage and develop support staff to continually improve team knowledge and competencies.

• Four‑year degree in Business, Engineering, Economics or related field.
• Five years of related procurement experience, including at least two years in a supervisory role.
• Professional certification in procurement/supply‑chain management (C.P.M., CPSM) preferred.
• Knowledge of contract terms, purchasing systems (SAP and/or other ERP software), manufacturing operations and strategic sourcing.
• Capability to generate and implement contracts and manage purchase orders, including documentation, negotiations, communications and legal implications.
• Excellent working knowledge of manufacturing processes, management systems, operational routines and procedures, and ability to analyze technical drawings and specifications.
• Proven ability to build strong integrated teams and foster professional and personal development of team members.
• Self‑starter with strong skills in team leadership, data analysis and problem‑solving.
• Ability to lead negotiations and manage communications with suppliers.
• Capability to function effectively and independently as part of a cross‑functional team.
• High ethical standards, leadership and a strong work ethic.

Travel required 10–20% to complete job duties and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, mill personnel and regional & central procurement.

• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Purchasing and Supply Chain
• Industry: Manufacturing