Plate Processing & Procurement Manager
Austin Engineering - STREAMLINEAbout Austin Engineering Austin Engineering is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and support of customized mining equipment and engineering solutions. With more than 50 years of industry experience, we partner with some of the world's largest mining companies and OEMs to deliver innovative products that improve safety, productivity, and performance. Our portfolio includes mine truck bodies, excavator buckets, water tanks, tire handlers, and other specialized mining equipment. Austin operates across key mining regions worldwide, combining global expertise with local manufacturing and service support. We are committed to safety, quality, innovation, and developing talented people who help drive our continued success. Job Summary: The Plate Processing & Procurement Manager is responsible for leading Austin Casper's plate processing, procurement, inventory management, and supply chain functions. This role develops and executes both strategic and operational plans to ensure efficient sourcing, inventory control, production support, and logistics performance. The position oversees the Production Control, Purchasing, Shipping & Receiving, and Plate Procurement teams while ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and company objectives related to cost, delivery, safety, and operational excellence. Duties and Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Operations Develop and execute sourcing, procurement, inventory, and supply chain strategies that support business objectives, operational continuity, and cost-effective production. Lead daily operations for Production Control, Purchasing, Plate Procurement, Logistics, Shipping & Receiving, and related supply chain functions. Support outsourced operations and develop supply chain solutions that enhance efficiency, scalability, and customer delivery performance. Analyze market trends, material availability, and supplier performance to proactively manage risks, costs, and supply continuity. Drive a culture of continuous improvement through process optimization, technology adoption, and implementation of industry best practices. Supplier & Procurement Management Develop, negotiate, and maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality, service, and delivery performance. Establish and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and controls that ensure compliance with company values, delegated authority requirements, and applicable standards. Oversee vendor evaluation, contract administration, supplier agreements, and purchasing processes to ensure quality, compliance, and cost effectiveness. Ensure suppliers of critical materials and components meet Austin specifications, quality standards, and business requirements. Inventory, Materials & Quality Management Manage inventory strategies, stock levels, and replenishment processes to balance operational requirements, budget objectives, and inventory exposure. Maintain material handling and inventory control systems, including FIFO practices, surplus material disposition, and consignment inventory management. Collaborate with Quality Assurance to establish material acceptance criteria and maintain compliance with engineering and operational requirements. Work with steel mills, metallurgists, and third-party testing laboratories to evaluate materials, support product improvements, and validate new products and consumables. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams to improve manufacturing processes, material specifications, manufacturability, and customer lead-time performance. Support the successful introduction of new products and designs by ensuring timely availability and compliance of required materials. Leadership & Safety Lead, develop, and coach department personnel through performance management, training, succession planning, and regular feedback. Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture focused on accountability, te…