Sawmill Salesperson

Responsible for selling sawmill production, keeping inventory at desired levels and managing products and pricing to realize the greatest return possible for total production sold.

This role ensures that every product produced by the mill contributes its maximum value to Big Creek’s long-term profitability while creating value for our customers. Success depends on effective pricing, good inventory control, and strong coordination between the sales desk, production, shipping and customers.

• Align sales with production and desired inventory levels.
• Prioritize the sale of aged or excess stock.
• Use inventory data and market awareness to adjust prices, raising prices on constrained products and selectively discounting slower movers to maintain desired inventory levels and profitability.
• Maintain knowledge of yard inventory through use of computer system and regular on-site review.
• Develop and maintain a balanced customer portfolio that supports full product utilization and reduces reliance on any single accounts.
• Identify and cultivate new customers for lumber and by-products that accumulate quickly or are not in consistent demand.
• Engage customers to understand end use and recommend alternative or substitute products when appropriate.

• Provide reliable, transparent, and professional service to both internal and external customers.
• Communicate product availability honestly; direct scarce products toward loyal or high-value customers while offering alternatives where possible.
• Ensure orders and documentation accurately reflect grades, special handling needs, and shipment priorities.
• Resolve tally, volume, or quality issues promptly, coordinating with the sawmill, planning mill, and shipping departments to maintain customer confidence.

• Collaborate with sawmill, planing mill, and shipping teams to synchronize production schedules, deliveries, and customer requirements.
• Coordinate shipping and delivery to both internal and external customers.
• Maintain sufficient reserve inventory to service Big Creek retail yards and fulfill standard orders within expected lead times.
• Develop a detailed understanding of production capabilities, timing, and costs to make sales at the highest and best possible value.
• Provide feedback to production teams on product quality, demand trends, and potential efficiency improvements.
• Support process improvements that strengthen communication and flow between sales, operations, and fulfillment.

• Monitor market trends, competitor pricing, and customer needs; share insights that inform production and pricing decisions.
• Fully utilize computer-based sales and inventory systems (e.g., LISA) to manage orders, analyze trends, and support data-driven decisions.
• Develop awareness of by-product markets and their contribution to overall mill value.
• Identify recurring issues in the sales-to-shipping process and propose practical improvements.
• Visit key customer facilities to enhance understanding of product use.
• Attend relevant trade shows or conferences to monitor market trends and prospect for new opportunities.

• Build deep knowledge of redwood and Douglas-fir grades, their production sources, and common applications.
• Develop deep understanding of sawmill byproducts uses and customer base.
• Understand how production patterns, remanufacturing options, and seasonal variations affect product availability and pricing.
• Learn the full order process from customer inquiry through shipment and payment.
• Spend time in the sawmill and retail yards to connect sales decisions with operational realities.
• Progress from transactional selling to strategic account management through applied learning and coaching.

• Applies practical, market-informed judgment and skilled negotiation to make sound, timely sales decisions.
• Communicates professionally and cooperatively across teams and with customers.
• Handles requests and problems with tact, finding workable solutions without over-promising or compromising company priorities..
• Organized, good with numbers, and capable of effectively managing shifting priorities and ambiguity.
• Professional, ethical, and motivated to learn and contribute to Big Creek’s long-term success.

• Full benefits including:
  • 401k retirement plan with generous employer contribution
  • Group medical/dental/life insurance for employee and qualified dependents
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick, and holiday
  • Employee assistance program
  • Voluntary vision care plan for employee and dependents
  • Voluntary supplemental life insurance for employee and dependents

Reports To:

Wholesale Manager

Hours:

Monday–Friday, 7:00–3:30 (additional hours as needed)

If you are interested in this position, please apply online. Or apply by submitting a completed job application or resume and cover letter to us via email to