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SalaryForest 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.
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 with a premium free plan available
- 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:
At Do it Best, we takepridein being the only U.S.–based and member-owned hardware & lumber/building material buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. We have made it our philosophy to serve over 3,800 member-owned locations across the United States and in over 50 countries by offering a full menu of exceptional merchandise and services to increase our member’s market share and profitability. By reaching over $4 billion in annual sales, Do it Best is the second largest co-op in the industry. Our success stems from our mission to make the best better, and our goal to help our members grow and achieve their dreams.
