Technical Category Buyer

Location: West Chester, OH

Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for a Technical Category Buyer in the Construction & Engineering Services area located in our West Chester or Cleveland HQ office locations. This role is ideal for a professional with experience in construction, engineering, project management, or maintenance within a heavy industrial environment. Prior procurement experience is not required. The Technical Category Buyer is responsible for applying sound purchasing practices to ensure competitive pricing, exceptional service, and effective supplier partnerships for construction and engineering services. This position reviews technical specifications prepared by plant personnel, manages competitive bidding processes, negotiates labor and equipment rates, assists with change order resolution, and serves as a key liaison between plant personnel, safety, legal, and suppliers to support timely project execution and resolve issues as they arise.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with contractors and engineering service providers.
• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation.
• Evaluate and negotiate labor rates, equipment rental rates, and commercial terms with suppliers.
• Review project scopes and technical documents to ensure requirements are clearly defined.
• Analyze bids, proposals, and requisitions to support sourcing decisions.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures.
• Collaborate with technical personnel to clarify requirements and resolve project issues or change orders.
• Administer and manage Cleveland-Cliffs standard terms and conditions with key suppliers.
• Resolve supplier claims and disputes.
• Advise suppliers and plant personnel on company labor billing requirements and procedures.
• Partner with technical and operations teams to address supplier performance concerns.
• Work with plant personnel, Accounts Payable, and suppliers to resolve invoice and payment issues.
• Respond to after-hours or weekend communications only in the event of critical business emergencies.
• Other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of related experience in construction management, engineering, project management, or maintenance within a heavy industrial environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and diligent.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
• Experience in a steel manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and/or procurement software.
• Experience working with trade unions and interpreting local collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to understand and interpret commercial terms and the fundamentals of construction contracts.

Relocation assistance is not provided for this position. 

Cleveland-Cliffs is a leading North America-based steel producer with focus on value-added sheet products, particularly for the automotive industry. The Company is vertically integrated from the mining of iron ore, production of pellets and direct reduced iron, and processing of ferrous scrap through primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package, including competitive 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.