Forest Product Sales (Forest Products Trader)

Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Level: Salary

Division / Department: Lumber & Building Materials

Reporting to position: Product Sales Manager

Travel: Occasionally

About the Role

This position is responsible for managing sales in multiple trading areas, focusing on larger volume key members in dimension lumber or panel products. While advanced forest products experience is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for this role. We are committed to providing extensive training in forest products and the lumber industry. What we value most in a candidate is a proactive attitude, the ability to be coachable, and strong sales acumen. The role involves forecasting market conditions, advising on purchasing strategies, and negotiating pricing programs. Candidates should be enthusiastic about developing their product knowledge, with a focus on sustainability, and passionate about building relationships with members and vendors.

If you have any prior experience working in any of the following industries or fields, we strongly encourage you to apply: Forest Products Industry, Commodity Trading, or Lumber Trading. Building Materials Sales, Outside Sales, Flooring Sales, Hardware Sales, Customer Service

Responsibilities include

• Represent Do it Best and its members professionally, demonstrating strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Engage in basic Trader functions including order generation, confirmations, shipment mechanics, and status reports, emphasizing a proactive approach.

• Assist members in sourcing products, applying a coachable mindset to learn and leverage market analysis for the best value proposition.

• Maintain effective daily communication with membership, with a focus on proactive client acquisition and dynamic account management.

• Handle Trader/Vendor/Member issues, such as conflicts and claims, with strong problem-solving skills.

• Continuously strive to improve knowledge about forest products, business, and industry trends, with a willingness to learn and adapt.

• Travel to shows, members, and vendors as required, demonstrating a proactive and coachable attitude.

• Keep current and detailed information in company CRM, utilizing strong PC and Google Suite skills.

  Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent sales experience.

• Forest Products experience is a plus, but not a necessity. We prioritize a proactive and coachable attitude. If you can do sales, we can teach you the rest.

• Minimum of 3 years in a role that required proactive problem-solving and adaptability.

  Skills and Abilities

• A proactive and coachable approach, with the willingness to learn industry-specific knowledge.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a focus on relationship building.

• Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and a strong motivation for continuous learning and improvement.

• Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn about Do it Best’s procedures and expectations.

  Benefits available to you:

• Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision

• Paid time off to foster work/life balance

• Profit sharing

• Bonus Pay opportunities

• Retirement funding opportunities

• Education reimbursement

• Health club reimbursement

• Career advancement opportunities

  About Do it Best: We’re the only US-based, member-owned hardware, lumber, and building materials co-op in the home improvement industry. We proudly serve thousands of locations in over 50 countries, offering exceptional merchandise and services driving us to nearly $5 billion in annual sales. Our goal is to help our members grow and achieve their dreams.

  Culture: Each team member is valued as an individual - with their intrinsic value at the forefront. We prioritize your career growth through one-on-one training, conferences, tuition assistance, mentoring and more. We encourage authentic relationships by hosting social events and fostering a culture where lasting friendships are made. In fact, the three most valued aspects of being a part of the Do it Best team are the culture, the compensation, and the level of fulfillment that each team member experiences from their role.

  Our Philosophy: Serving others as we would like to be served

  Our Mission: Making the best even better

  Our Goal: Helping members grow and achieve their dreams