Senior Product Manager/Buyer

Job Overview

The Stock Buyer / Product Manager is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing assigned product lines to support American Piping Products’ inventory strategy and customer demand by connecting the supply chain. This role works closely with sales, operations, and executive leadership to ensure optimal inventory availability, competitive cost positioning, and supplier relationships that support the company’s growth. Industry and product experience is key to the success of this position.

The position requires strong commercial judgment, analytical skills, and knowledge of industrial steel supply markets. The Stock Buyer / Product Manager actively monitors market trends, manages supplier relationships, and maintains inventory levels that balance service levels with capital efficiency.

Key Responsibilities – Procurement & Supplier Management

• Source and procure pipe and related products from domestic and international suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, freight, and delivery schedules with vendors.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability, quality, and competitive cost structures.
• Evaluate supplier performance including quality, delivery reliability, and responsiveness.

Product Line Management

• Maintain ownership of assigned product categories including pricing, margin targets, and availability.
• Monitor inventory levels and demand trends to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Collaborate with sales teams to identify opportunities for product expansion and new sourcing strategies.
• Analyze product performance including sales velocity, margin contribution, and turnover.

Inventory Strategy

• Plan purchases to support company inventory strategies and customer demand forecasts.
• Manage stock levels to ensure high service levels while minimizing excess or obsolete inventory.
• Monitor slow‑moving inventory and develop strategies to reposition or liquidate product when necessary.

Market & Pricing Analysis

• Track steel market trends, mill production schedules, and pricing fluctuations.
• Provide market intelligence and pricing guidance to sales and leadership.
• Identify opportunities for advantageous purchasing positions based on market conditions.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with warehouse, logistics, and quality teams to ensure smooth inbound shipments and inventory accuracy.
• Coordinate with accounting and finance on purchase commitments and vendor terms.
• Support sales teams with product knowledge and availability updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of purchasing, product management, or supply chain experience in steel, pipe, metals, or industrial distribution.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate market trends and inventory data.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, Excel, and inventory management tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Key Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and procurement
• Market awareness and pricing analysis
• Inventory optimization
• Negotiation and vendor management
• Financial and margin awareness
• Cross‑department collaboration

About American Piping Products

American Piping Products, Inc. headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is primarily engaged in the distribution of carbon, stainless steel and chrome moly pipe, tubing, fitting, valves, and flanges used in the processing, energy, manufacturing, fabrication and construction industries. As one of the leading steel pipe suppliers in the world, American Piping Products utilizes steel processing facilities and sales offices in Houston, St.

Louis, Philadelphia and Chicago that stock over 50,000 tons of material and offers immediate shipment of steel pipe, flanges and fittings to customers across the globe.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.