Lumber Buyer
John A. Biewer Company
St. Clair
Searching for lumber sales or purchasing professionals with industry experience to join our Purchasing team. Biewer Lumber provides the stability of an established company with a forward-thinking mindset to compete in today's market. The ideal candidate will bring insight, accountability, and a results-driven approach.
Summary:
Source, negotiate, and purchase lumber and related building materials to fulfill production and sales requirements. Ensure cost-effective procurement, maintain supplier relationships, monitor market conditions, and manage inventory levels to support operational efficiency and profitability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Source and purchase lumber from mills and wholesalers.
- Negotiate pricing, contract terms, and coordinate with logistics and delivery schedules.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
- Maintain proper inventory levels to meet forecast and stocking measurables. Make informed recommendations or decisions regarding the procurement of products.
- Analyze and disseminate lumber commodity markets, determine procurement quantities to meet forecast, trends, budget, and production goals.
- Manage the supply chain and communicate proper specifications between suppliers, manufacturing facilities, sales force, and purchasing department to meet customer expectations.
- Prepare comprehensive inventory reports to provide sales and procurement data, as well as other analytics as needed.
- Assist in the department in all procurement functions: purchase order entry, receiving, quality control, and associated procurement functions.
- Act as liaison between sales force and suppliers to effectively process Request for Quotes (RFQs.)
- Develop and negotiate purchasing strategies to meet corporate objectives.
- Provide ideas, innovation, and suggestions for continuous improvement and opportunities.
Basic Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of lumber grades, species, dimensions, and market pricing.
- Experienced in negotiation and decision-making skills.
- Analytical ability to research, collect and process information.
- Good organization, communication (verbal and written) and relationship-building skills.
- Computer proficient with Microsoft Office, Google applications, ability to navigate and acquire skills to use internal systems, and advanced spreadsheet skills.
Certifications, Registration, Education, and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in lumber buying, supply chain, or purchasing.
