Wholesale Lumber Trader

Hampton Lumber•Fayetteville, GA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wholesale Trader develops and manages a profitable book of business by building customer and supplier relationships, purchasing and selling lumber and related wood products, identifying market opportunities, and managing transactions from initial negotiation through fulfillment. The role is responsible for growing assigned accounts, developing new business, and making informed trading decisions within established company guidelines. This position works closely with customers, suppliers, mills, logistics, credit, sales support, accounting, and Hampton Lumber Sales leadership to deliver reliable service and profitable results. The Wholesale Trader is expected to demonstrate strong ownership, sound judgment, disciplined follow-through, and an ongoing commitment to developing product, market, and relationship expertise.

Requirements

Experience in lumber, forest products, building materials, wholesale sales, purchasing, account management, or a closely related field preferred.
College degree in business, marketing, forestry, wood products, supply chain, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, negotiate, solve problems, and manage multiple priorities.
Strong customer service orientation and ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal business partners.
Analytical ability and business judgment needed to evaluate pricing, margin, inventory, credit, logistics, and market risk.
Self-directed and accountable, with the initiative and follow-through to develop and manage a book of business.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel and the ability to learn relevant sales, inventory, ERP, and reporting systems.
Ability to travel for customer, supplier, mill, and industry activities according to company requirements.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and grow a portfolio of assigned customers in alignment with company direction and business goals.
Prospect for new customers and identify opportunities to expand business with existing accounts.
Understand customer needs, product requirements, buying patterns, and service expectations and provide practical solutions.
Negotiate pricing, volume, delivery expectations, and other transaction terms within established company guidelines.
Maintain regular customer contact and provide timely, accurate, and professional communication throughout the sales process.
Represent Hampton Lumber Sales at approved customer visits, industry events, and other business development activities.
Develop and maintain productive purchasing relationships with outside mills, manufacturers, suppliers, and other trading partners.
Identify supply opportunities that align with customer demand, market conditions, product quality, risk, and profitability expectations.
Negotiate purchases and supply arrangements within established authority and company guidelines.
Develop and support sales programs from Hampton Mills and other approved suppliers as directed by business leadership.
Monitor supplier performance, product availability, quality, and market developments and communicate relevant information to internal partners.
Buy and sell lumber and related wood products with a focus on responsible risk management, customer value, and profitable growth.
Monitor market conditions, pricing trends, supply and demand, freight, product availability, and competitive activity to support trading decisions.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant products, grades, species, dimensions, applications, suppliers, customers, and market channels.
Evaluate transactions for margin, exposure, market risk, credit considerations, and operational feasibility before committing company resources.
Manage open positions and trading activity in accordance with company guidelines and assigned business expectations.
Review personal business performance and use results, market information, and manager feedback to adjust priorities and strategies.
Maintain company-approved inventory locations and inventory positions within defined company guidelines.
Monitor inventory levels, aging, carrying costs, quality, and marketability and take timely action to manage risk.
Coordinate with logistics, sales support, credit, accounting, suppliers, and customers to support accurate and efficient order fulfillment.
Ensure transaction details, pricing, purchase and sales commitments, documentation, and system information are complete and accurate.
Address service issues, claims, shipment challenges, and other transaction concerns promptly and collaboratively.
Follow established credit management, contract, sales contact, documentation, and approval requirements.
Build strong working relationships across Hampton Lumber Sales and partner effectively with other traders, general managers, mills, logistics, sales support, credit, and accounting.
Communicate risks, opportunities, significant commitments, and customer or supplier concerns to the appropriate manager and internal partners.
Actively develop product knowledge, market expertise, negotiation capability, financial understanding, and business judgment.
Seek and apply coaching and feedback and take ownership of individual performance and continued professional growth.
Model Hampton values through ethical business practices, accountability, collaboration, customer focus, and a commitment to finding a better way every day.
Respond promptly to other related duties and business needs as required.

Benefits

Substantial company-paid assistance for Medical and Dental insurance premiums
Mental health coverage
Cost effective co-pays and deductibles
401(k) with 5% annual company contribution
Generous company matching contributions vested over three years
Paid time off
Eight paid holidays
Opportunity to earn bonuses
Employee wellness program that includes free counseling sessions, financial and legal guidance, and more
Opportunities for paid training to support career advancement and personal development