Senior Log Buyer

Sazerac Company•East Bernstadt, KY

About The Position

Since 1958, Robinson Stave has been making quality oak bourbon barrels to meet the needs of a burgeoning industry. We are committed and diligent about maintaining the highest quality standards for our barrels to ensure they produce the best bourbons in the world. Behind great barrels are great people. We are always looking for compassionate, qualified team members who share our vision and values of hard work, quality and enthusiasm. Come join our efforts to become a highly recognized and respected builder of bourbon barrels and one of the industry’s most-desired places to work! The Senior Log Buyer is responsible for managing log procurement activities, including scaling, grading, vendor relationship management, inventory control, and coordination with mill operations. This role supports yield optimization, cost control, vendor retention, and operational efficiency within the log yard and across logging operations. The Senior Log Buyer works in coordination with the Assistant Log Buyer and collaborates closely with yard and mill leadership to ensure procurement performance aligns with production requirements.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of log buying experience at a comparable level of responsibility as described in this position.
Demonstrated experience in log scaling and grading.
Knowledge of hardwood log specifications and quality standards.
Understanding of mill yield impact and log cost dynamics.
Strong communication and vendor relationship management skills.

Nice To Haves

Stave log procurement experience.
Experience in hardwood markets and production-aligned procurement environments.
Familiarity with yield tracking systems and procurement performance metrics.

Responsibilities

Log Scaling and Grading
Serve as the primary authority for scaling and grading logs.
Ensure accurate and consistent application of grading standards.
Align log quality with mill yield requirements and production needs.
Oversee proper tagging procedures and documentation accuracy.
Procurement Performance
Support mill yield targets through disciplined log selection and grading.
Maintain competitive and controlled log cost per board foot.
Monitor log quality trends and communicate performance insights to leadership.
Conduct weekly mill visits to evaluate log quality and production alignment.
Inventory Management
Direct marking of log rows by start and completion dates.
Track row utilization and rotation.
Maintain documentation of row depletion.
Communicate when log rows are fully consumed.
Coordinate inventory flow to support mill consumption schedules.
Vendor Relationship Management
Serve as primary contact for assigned log vendors.
Communicate specifications, grading outcomes, and procurement needs.
Support long-term vendor retention and relationship development.
Travel to logging job sites to evaluate timber quality and maintain vendor relationships.
Load Acceptance Authority
Evaluate inbound loads for specification compliance.
Authorize acceptance or rejection of logs based on quality standards.
Coordinate vendor status adjustments in collaboration with leadership.
Financial Responsibility
Authorized to process routine logger payments within established limits.
Obtain Director approval for payments exceeding standard load values.
Ensure payment documentation aligns with scaling records and invoices.
Maintain accuracy and compliance in procurement-related financial activity.
Yard and Mill Coordination
Work collaboratively with the Assistant Log Buyer and Yard Manager to align mill consumption, log sales activity, special production projects, safety considerations, and overtime planning.
Safety
Promote and support safe work practices within the log yard and logging job sites.
Monitor operational conditions to ensure compliance with company safety standards.