Operations Manager - Structural Steel Fabrication (Procurement & Logistics)

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Operations Manager to oversee the procurement, logistics, and operational aspects of our structural steel fabrication shop. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement, logistics management, and supply chain coordination. This role will focus on ensuring the efficient flow of materials, timely delivery, and cost-effective procurement processes, supporting the shop's production needs. While this position will not involve direct supervision of shop floor workers, the Operations Manager will work closely with production teams to ensure the necessary resources are available and operations run smoothly.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Material Management:

• Oversee the procurement of raw materials, including structural steel, fasteners, welding supplies, and other components necessary for fabrication.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies that ensure timely, cost-effective sourcing of materials while maintaining quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating contracts, pricing, and delivery terms to secure the best value for the business.
• Ensure materials are received and stored according to production schedules, minimizing material shortages and preventing overstock.
• Track and manage inventory levels, working closely with the production team to ensure materials are available as needed while avoiding unnecessary stockpiling.

Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination:

• Manage the logistics of material deliveries, from suppliers to the fabrication shop and between internal departments, ensuring smooth and timely delivery.
• Work with third-party logistics providers to optimize transportation routes and reduce delivery costs while ensuring timely arrivals.
• Ensure that materials are shipped from the fabrication shop to project sites according to delivery schedules, coordinating transportation logistics as needed.
• Continuously evaluate and streamline logistics processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs, such as optimizing storage space, transportation, and material handling.

Production Support & Operational Coordination:

• Collaborate with production management to understand material requirements for upcoming fabrication projects and ensure timely procurement and availability of resources.
• Work closely with project managers, engineering, and quality teams to align procurement and logistics efforts with the production schedule and project timelines.
• Ensure that procurement and logistics processes do not delay production workflows, addressing any bottlenecks or issues that may arise.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to procurement, logistics, and material handling efficiency, providing regular updates to senior management.

Budgeting & Cost Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for procurement, logistics, and operational functions related to material supply and inventory management.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities in procurement and logistics processes without sacrificing quality or delivery timelines.
• Monitor expenses and track procurement costs to ensure adherence to budget constraints, reporting discrepancies and addressing variances as needed.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices in the procurement and logistics processes.
• Coordinate with safety teams to ensure all materials are handled and transported in compliance with safety standards.
• Ensure that all shipments and deliveries comply with environmental and regulatory requirements related to materials and transportation.

Continuous Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize procurement and logistics operations, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving delivery performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify areas for improvement in material sourcing, inventory management, and logistics workflows.
• Keep up-to-date with industry trends, new procurement technologies, and best practices to introduce innovations into the business.

Reporting & Communication:

• Regularly report to senior management on procurement activities, inventory levels, logistics performance, and any challenges that may impact shop operations or project timelines.
• Maintain clear communication with internal teams (engineering, production, project management) and external partners (suppliers, logistics providers) to ensure alignment on timelines, material needs, and project priorities.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field. A background in structural steel or manufacturing is a plus.
• Experience:
  • At least 5-7 years of experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain management, ideally within a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
  • Previous experience in structural steel procurement or similar heavy industry is highly desirable.
• Skills & Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of procurement and logistics operations, particularly in managing materials for a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
  • Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and relationship-building skills.
  • Proficient in ERP systems and inventory management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with production, engineering, and project management teams.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Solid understanding of safety regulations and compliance standards in procurement, logistics, and material handling.
  • Excellent organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP).
• Experience in a structural steel or heavy fabrication environment is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Knowledge of environmental sustainability initiatives in procurement and logistics.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, on-site position.
• Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers, manage logistics operations, or visit project sites.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and high operational demands.

Ben Hur is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.