Blaine Bailess
Diboll,TX
Summary
Results-driven Manager/ Senior Buyer with 18+ years of progressive experience in ferrous and non-ferrous metals trading and recycling. Excel at supporting customers and buyers through end-to-end contract creation, competitive pricing strategies, purchase order development, and seamless account management. Proven ability to lead large-scale operations, optimize inventory turns, train buyers, forecast and plan budgeting, intuitively improve processes, strong leadership and communication skills, and drive profitability from hands-on execution.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
Optimum Concrete Works
01.2025 - Current
- Oversee daily operations, logistics, and time management to support efficient buyer and customer workflows
- Drive operational efficiency and process optimization while maintaining strong internal and external stakeholder support
Commercial Director
Quality Metals
06.2024 - 11.2024
- Directed all material sourcing and selling activities, created contracts, established pricing structures, and generated purchase orders
- Supported full commercial operations and logistics to ensure timely fulfillment and exceptional customer/buyer service
General Manager/ Senior Trader
Venture Metals
01.2020 - 10.2023
- Sourced and sold all ferrous and non-ferrous materials by negotiating contracts, setting pricing, and creating purchase orders
- Managed full yard operations, inventory turns, and logistics for 40+ employees, including staffing, dispatch, scheduling, and material flow
- Maintained complete accountability for daily commercial operations while delivering outstanding customer and dealer relations
Non-Ferrous Manager
Derichebourg Recycling
02.2015 - 12.2019
- Purchased and sold alloys, copper, aluminum, lead, and nickel/cobalt; set commercial buying prices, created purchase orders, and managed ~1,900 gross tons monthly
- Trained all buyers on purchasing standards, contract processes, pricing strategy, and margin optimization
- Managed 30 non-ferrous employees and temporary staff while ensuring quality, inventory transfers, and seamless customer support
Interim Non-Ferrous Co-Manager / Lead Sales
Derichebourg Recycling
04.2014 - 02.2015
- Led non-ferrous sales and operations during leadership transition, including contract development, pricing decisions, and buyer guidance
Scale Master / Non-Ferrous Consultant
Derichebourg Recycling
02.2014 - 04.2014
- Provided expert consultation on non-ferrous purchasing, pricing, purchase orders, and operational improvements
Co-Manager (Scale Operations)/ Scale Master
Spectrum Metals
10.2013 - 02.2014
- Managed dealer and industrial accounts by evaluating, grading, pricing materials, creating purchase orders, and maximizing margins
Scale Master / Cashier / Laborer
Spectrum Metals
11.2010 - 11.2013
- Progressed from labor roles to commercial responsibilities: operated equipment, graded/priced materials, created purchase orders, and delivered exceptional customer service
Manager / Trader
Brickyard Metal Recycling
11.2012 - 10.2013
- Assigned to develop this start up yard from the ground up
- Managed daily operations, managed all staff, trading, pricing, purchase orders, invoicing, and account balancing while generating new business and retaining loyal customers
- Delegated labor efficiently and maintained yard organization to eliminate unprofitable loads
Manager / Sales / Buyer
Champion Alloy
06.2007 - 08.2010
- Acquired and maintained competitive scrap accounts through contract negotiation, relationship management, and consistent buyer support
- Sorted, processed, and delivered materials while providing high-touch customer service
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Kinesiology
University of North Texas
01-2007
Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Operational Management
- Procurement, Vendor Negotiation, & Inventory Organization
- Team Leadership & Process Improvement
- Customer & Buyer Support
- Pricing Strategy, Negotiation & Optimization
- Purchase Order Creation & Processing
- Sourcing, Selling & Account Management
- Inventory Control & Margin Maximization
- Dealer & Industrial Account Relations
- Buyer Training & Team Leadership
- Yard Operations, Logistics & Efficiency
- Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals Expertise
Timeline
Manager
Optimum Concrete Works
01.2025 - Current
Commercial Director
Quality Metals
06.2024 - 11.2024
General Manager/ Senior Trader
Venture Metals
01.2020 - 10.2023
Non-Ferrous Manager
Derichebourg Recycling
02.2015 - 12.2019
Interim Non-Ferrous Co-Manager / Lead Sales
Derichebourg Recycling
04.2014 - 02.2015
Scale Master / Non-Ferrous Consultant
Derichebourg Recycling
02.2014 - 04.2014
Co-Manager (Scale Operations)/ Scale Master
Spectrum Metals
10.2013 - 02.2014
Manager / Trader
Brickyard Metal Recycling
11.2012 - 10.2013
Scale Master / Cashier / Laborer
Spectrum Metals
11.2010 - 11.2013
Manager / Sales / Buyer
Champion Alloy
06.2007 - 08.2010
Bachelor’s Degree - Kinesiology
University of North Texas