Position Overview
Coldwater Veneer Incorporated is seeking an experienced Log Procurement Manager to lead and strengthen our hardwood log procurement operations. This individual will be responsible for sourcing premium veneer-quality hardwood logs, cultivating long-term relationships with timberland owners, logging contractors, sawmills, concentration yards, brokers, and suppliers, while ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply of high-quality raw materials that supports the company’s production and sales objectives.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Sales, executive leadership, production, and procurement teams to align purchasing strategies with evolving domestic and international market demand. This role serves as a critical link between procurement, operations, and sales by ensuring the right species, grades, and volumes are acquired to meet customer requirements while maximizing yield and profitability.
The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive knowledge of hardwood species, veneer log grading, timber valuation, procurement strategy, and global hardwood market dynamics. In addition to leading procurement activities, this individual will provide technical leadership and professional guidance to the company’s log buying team by promoting best practices in log evaluation, purchasing strategies, supplier development, market analysis, and inventory planning, thereby enhancing the organization’s overall procurement capabilities and supporting its long-term strategic growth.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and continuously improve Coldwater Veneer’s hardwood log procurement program.
Procure veneer-quality hardwood logs that meet company quality standards, production requirements, and customer expectations.
Partner with Sales to understand current and projected market demand by species, grade, color, thickness, and customer specifications.
Translate market intelligence into strategic purchasing decisions that support profitability and long-term business objectives.
Provide leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to the company’s log buyers by establishing procurement standards, sharing industry knowledge, and promoting best practices in log evaluation, supplier management, and purchasing strategies.
Travel one on one with the log buyers to motivate them and assess and evaluate their skills and help them to develop and improve.
Review the log purchases (cost / grade / scale) of the log buyers and communicate feedback regularly on their purchases.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with timberland owners, logging contractors, timber brokers, sawmills, concentration yards, veneer log suppliers, and other forest products professionals.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with six affiliated sawmills in Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri.
Evaluate standing timber, timber sales, log inventories, sawmill production, and procurement opportunities.
Direct log buyers on standing timber bids.
Evaluate log buyer performance based on quality, price, species mix and volume purchased.
Monitor domestic and international hardwood markets to identify emerging trends affecting species demand, pricing, availability, and competitive positioning.
Prepare and communicate market intelligence and procurement recommendations to executive leadership.
Negotiate log purchases, timber contracts, and long-term supplier agreements.
Travel regularly throughout procurement regions to inspect timber, suppliers, log yards, and purchasing opportunities.
Coordinate procurement activities with production planning to maintain optimal inventory levels while controlling procurement costs.
Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing analyses, and market reports.
Promote responsible sourcing practices and ensure compliance with applicable forestry regulations and company policies.
Desired Qualifications
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in hardwood log purchasing, timber procurement, forestry management, veneer log procurement, or a related forest products industry.
Demonstrated expertise in evaluating and scaling veneer-quality hardwood logs and understanding grading standards.
Extensive knowledge of commercially valuable hardwood species, including White Oak, Red Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Hard Maple, Soft Maple, Hickory, Ash, Poplar, and other premium hardwoods.
Thorough understanding of domestic and international hardwood markets, export demand, pricing trends, and global supply dynamics.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop procurement personnel while fostering a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
Established professional network within the forestry, logging, timber, sawmill, veneer, and hardwood industries.
Excellent negotiation, communication, analytical, and relationship management skills.
Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate procurement opportunities and make sound commercial decisions.
Experience with inventory planning, procurement budgeting, and cost management.
Familiarity with FSC, sustainable forestry initiatives, and responsible sourcing practices.
Proficiency with procurement-related software systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Forest Products, Business, Natural Resources, or equivalent industry experience preferred.
Preferred Experience
Hardwood veneer manufacturing industry experience.
Procurement leadership for a veneer mill or hardwood sawmill.
Experience working with domestic and international hardwood markets.
Established relationships with timberland owners, logging contractors, concentration yards, hardwood sawmills, and veneer log suppliers.
Compensation & Benefits
Coldwater Veneer Incorporated offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications, including:
Competitive base salary of $125,000 +
Performance-based incentive opportunities
Comprehensive health benefits
Paid time off
Retirement benefits
Company vehicle
Long-term career growth within an established and respected hardwood veneer manufacturer
Why Join Coldwater Veneer?
Coldwater Veneer Incorporated is recognized for its commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term relationships throughout the hardwood industry. This position offers a unique opportunity to play a strategic role in shaping the company’s procurement initiatives, strengthening supplier partnerships, developing procurement talent, and contributing directly to the continued growth and success of a respected leader in the hardwood veneer market.
Pay: From $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Coldwater, MI 49036
