Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for a Category Buyer, MRO Mechanical position in the Procurement Department. This position will work out of one of the following locations: East Chicago, IN, or West Chester, OH. The primary function of this position is to coordinate and manage the strategic procurement process for assigned categories ensuring the cost- effective acquisition of goods and services across all Cleveland-Cliffs business units. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the development and execution of procurement strategies, bid process and negotiations, project management, supplier relationship management, and contract management. Summary of Responsibilities: Provide for effective purchasing and delivery of all items within the commodities assigned, securing the best value for the company. The following considerations are of primary importance: Recommend and select suppliers considering quality, delivery, price, future associated cost of ownership Expedite and schedule materials necessary to meet plant operating requirements, Keep abreast of market conditions, particularly trends material availability and price, as well as quality of assigned commodities, Utilizing the lowest cost transportation of purchased goods, Negotiate/initiate new blanket orders and changes to existing blanket orders Maintain Purchasing Department files as required Contract oversite and management including contract renewal and termination notice timing. Continuously strive to reduce total cost of procured goods and services. Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, FOB location, warranty limits, and price protection in order to obtain best value for Cliffs. Recommend adequate and satisfactory sources of supply and evaluates supplier performance. Instruct suppliers through purchase orders, verbal communications or correspondence regarding plant requirements and deliveries of assigned commodities. Gather, analyze, and track data on supplier performance, pricing, quality, and other areas as needed. Actively seek and help develop new and existing diversity suppliers. Reports supplier diversity status to Supplier Diversity program coordinator as required. Collaborate with responsible Engineering, Maintenance and Operating supervision to secure best services, material substitution, and value. Initiate action to resolve minor and major plant emergency purchases. Lead and organize meetings with plants and suppliers to alleviate supply issues. Interview supplier representatives and represents Cliffs in supplier/vendor relationships. Arrange for discussions between vendors and engineering, operating or maintenance personnel as required or directed. Provide information to Purchasing Management and plant personnel as required to effectively purchase assigned commodities. Makes plant and vendor visitations as directed and required to maintain an effective liaison. Keep abreast of market conditions as to availability, price, and quality of assigned commodities Review assigned incoming requisitions and determines best buying methods. Initiate aggressive purchasing action required to secure assigned items and commodities. Maintain records, reports, and files for proper control of assigned purchasing activities. Update blanket contracts to reflect current prices, terms, and conditions Seek input from management and Legal on contract requirements and purchasing issues in a timely fashion, and takes precaution to not commit or award business without necessary approvals Follow department policies and procedures and participates in activities to continuously improve department workflow. Report on commodity spend as required Minimum Qualifications: BS or BA in Business or Supply Chain At least 5 years of procurement, commodity management or other strategic sourcing experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment Strong negotiation and analyti