Commercial Buyer / Scrap Metal Buyer

Description

South Post Oak Recycling Center is seeking a commercially minded and operationally aware Buyer to support the sourcing, purchasing, and movement of recyclable metal commodities throughout the Houston market and surrounding regions.

This role is not a traditional sales position. The Commercial Buyer operates at the intersection of commodity procurement, supplier relationship management, pricing strategy, logistics coordination, and operational partnership. The individual in this role will actively identify material opportunities, negotiate purchases, monitor commodity markets, and collaborate closely with yard operations to ensure profitable and efficient material flow.

Success in this role requires the ability to build long-term industrial relationships, make real-time business decisions, understand market fluctuations, and operate effectively within a fast-paced industrial environment.

Requirements

· Source and purchase recyclable ferrous and non-ferrous metals from industrial, commercial, construction, and manufacturing accounts

· Develop and maintain strong supplier and customer relationships to support long-term material flow opportunities

· Prospect new accounts through networking, referrals, cold outreach, field visits, and relationship development

· Analyze commodity pricing trends and market conditions to support purchasing strategy and margin management

· Negotiate pricing, transportation, freight, and service arrangements with suppliers and customers

· Conduct customer visits and site assessments to identify recyclable material opportunities and operational needs

· Collaborate closely with yard operations, logistics, and transportation teams to coordinate material movement and inventory flow

· Evaluate material quality, value, and yield potential to support profitable purchasing decisions

· Maintain accurate CRM activity, supplier communication records, and pipeline tracking

· Support overall company profitability through strategic buying decisions and relationship management

· Represent the company professionally within the marketplace and industrial community

· Operate safely and in compliance with company safety standards and environmental regulations

Qualifications

· 3–7+ years of experience in commodity buying, industrial sales, account management, logistics, procurement, or related commercial environments

· Previous exposure to recycling, industrial services, construction, waste management, logistics, manufacturing, or commodities preferred

· Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills

· Ability to operate independently in a field-based commercial role

· Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities

· Operational awareness and ability to collaborate cross-functionally with field and yard teams

· Experience working in fast-paced industrial or operational environments preferred

· CRM and Microsoft Office experience preferred

· Valid driver’s license with ability to travel locally throughout the Houston market

Preferred Competencies

· Commodity buying mindset

· Pricing and margin awareness

· Operational partnership

· Supplier relationship management

· Market analysis

· Strategic prospecting

· Logistics coordination

· Inventory and material flow awareness

· Communication and negotiation skills

· Adaptability and decision-making under pressure

Compensation & Growth Opportunity

This position offers strong long-term career growth opportunities into Senior Buyer, Commercial Manager, or Commodity Trader roles as the individual develops industry expertise, supplier relationships, and market knowledge.