Buyer

Job Summary

• We are seeking an "experienced" scrap metal buyer. 
• Prior scrap metal buyer or scrap metal trader experience is a MUST.

Represent the Sims Metal division in acquiring scrap metal, including pricing of material, pricing and coordinating transportation, sourcing of scrap material, communicating with vendors, maintaining business relationships, negotiating payment terms, negotiating specification of materials, visiting suppliers, and coordinating with appropriate parties. Assist in special projects as required.

This role drives inbound material flow by developing strong partnerships with industrial accounts, demolition contractors, dealers, and other suppliers. The ideal candidate is outgoing, highly organized, self-directed, and experienced in metals recycling.

Principal Accountabilities

Customer Relations & Retention

• Build and maintain relationships with new and existing suppliers to secure steady ferrous and non-ferrous flows.
• Oversee customer interactions and retention efforts at the facility.
• Greet customers, analyze scrap materials, and authorize pricing overrides when appropriate.
• Ensure all suppliers receive a high-quality customer experience.
• Resolve customer complaints and concerns.
• Maintain and update facility scoreboards used for customer communication.
• Conduct supplier surveys to gather feedback and improve services.
• Coordinate customer appreciation events.
• Identify new purchasing opportunities through site visits, cold calls, and industry networking.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts aligned with market conditions and profitability goals.

Commercial & Supplier Engagement

• Support Commercial Managers in meeting supplier needs, including quality inspections and payment processes.
• Work with operations staff on grading and quality of incoming materials.
• Collaborate with operations and transportation teams to ensure efficient handling and logistics.
• Exercise independent judgment when approving downgrades.
• Respond to inbound commercial calls and quote requests promptly, ensuring backup coverage when unavailable.
• Cold-call potential suppliers and maintain a tracking database of outreach results.
• Establish new supplier accounts through site visits, quoting, and transportation coordination.
• Transition large, long-term accounts to Commercial Managers once established.
• Provide accurate grading, scale tickets, and settlement information to suppliers upon request.

Marketing & Outreach

• Plan and execute marketing, outreach, and customer retention programs.
• Lead implementation of the Scrap Acceptance Policy/Agreement at the facility.

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay current on federal, state, and local regulations related to scrap metal recycling.
• Ensure applicable regulations are implemented at the facility.

Market Intelligence & Reporting

• Gather and analyze market data on pricing trends, local projects, and supply availability.
• Assist in responses to RFBs and RFPs for inbound materials.
• Produce weekly Facility Reports on buy performance versus targets.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier profiles.

General Responsibilities

• Report weekly activities and schedules to the supervisor to align with objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

• Three or more years of demonstrated "scrap metal" buying or trading experience.
• Three or more years of experience in the scrap business, preferably as a buyer.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage territory planning.
• Comfortable visiting job sites, machine shops, yards, and industrial facilities.
• Solid understanding of basic ferrous and non-ferrous metal categories.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency with MS Office
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent time-management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong cold-calling and follow-up skills
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong people skills with the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
• Comfortable with both in-person and phone communication.
• Negotiation & Sales - Proven ability to negotiate scrap material purchases.
• Experience working with steel scrap dealers to secure timely, cost-effective deliveries.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

At sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.