The Requirements
To be a strong fit for the Assistant Wood Purchasing Manager opportunity, you will have:- 5+ years of experience in the North Carolina wood industry, domestic wood purchasing / procurement or similar (forestry, sawmills, wood dealers, wood processing, paper mills, or similar may be a fit) Quick question for you - click here
- A bachelor's degree is highly preferred, but we will consider outstanding experience in lieu of a degree
- Technical knowledge of wood processing, forestry and/or industry-specific topics
- Strong negotiation skills
- Commercial and market awareness
- Solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint); SAP preferred Quick question for you - click here
- A network of wood purchasing and/or forestry contacts is highly preferred
- Membership in the North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA); other association memberships are an advantage
- Complex problem-solving and analytical reasoning abilities; solid mathematical skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong internal and external relationships
- Strong leadership and influencing skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as a strong team member
- Strong organization, prioritization and administration skills
- The drive and desire to build a long-term career with EGGER
Travel & Training
You can expect to spend approximately 80% of your time in North Carolina, typically including two days per week in the office and three in the field. The other 20% will be spent traveling to Virginia, South Carolina and other locations, usually within 150 miles of the office, and internationally for training, meetings, and events. You will be home most nights.
Upon joining us you will have 6 to 12 weeks of intensive training, a good deal of which will be in Europe (there is flexibility around the length and timing of training, depending on your background and experience). Quick question for you - click here
Pictured: Egger H1180 Natural Halifax oak 38mm bench top has synchronized pore technology, with the availability of matching or cross cut ABS edging.
The Role
Role OverviewReporting to the Head of Wood Purchase LEX, as Assistant Wood Purchasing Manager, you will serve as the main point of contact and proactive liaison for the Wood Purchasing function in the United States. You will be responsible for the implementation of wood purchasing processes as well as the procurement of virgin fiber for use in EGGER's new Lexington plant. You will focus primarily on the North Carolina, and nearby states including South Carolina and Virginia. As the team grows, that area could expand.
Role Details
Daily, you will focus your efforts on building and growing a robust virgin fiber supply network. There is a good deal of groundwork already done and you'll keep the momentum going by meeting with suppliers, continuing to build relationships, attending networking events, and more. You'll also manage administrative and logistical tasks, helping to put strong processes in place that address safety, quality and compliance issues, as well as the practicalities of receiving and storing wood.
As part of your specific tasks, you will:
- Assist your supervisor and the Wood Purchasing department with purchasing activities and manage the supply within the agreed purchasing strategy and budget.
- Proactively liaise with potential supply partners (suppliers and sub-suppliers), build long-term relationships and assist with establishing EGGER as a key player in the local wood market.
- Initiate and maintain a high level of quality and safety awareness.
- Constantly search, evaluate and improve supply chains to enable long term development.
- Evaluate and develop existing production capacities of suppliers and sub-suppliers.
- Participate and lead value chain projects including logistics topics.
- Remain up to date with developments in the local wood market and report accordingly.
- Maintain relevant data in our Supplier Relationship Management tool (SRM).
- Manage the wood procurement activities of EGGER Wood Products ensuring that they conform with the relevant certification bodies and promote sustainable wood sourcing practices.
- Cooperate with the Production department and ensure that the wood supply is coordinated as required.
- Attend internal training courses and meetings as required by the Company.
- Attend an annual appraisal.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties / tasks as commensurate with the position as agreed with your supervisor.
Video: In the UK, EGGER Forestry has more than 25 years of experience harvesting and marketing of forest products. EGGER provides the best value for the money, with comprehensive forest management services and harvesting expertise.
More Good Reasons
Build a lasting careerYou will have the opportunity to polish and expand your wood procurement skills and experience in this role, setting the stage for you to grow right along with our North American business. We’ve enjoyed success in expanding across the globe and have earned a strong, awarded reputation as a company of choice. In North Carolina, we expect to see strong growth in short order and we're actively working to build our award-winning culture here. The corporation is committed to building the business in the U.S. and Canada, and to supporting the career goals of our employees -- over the long haul. Long service is the norm, not the exception. In fact, it's not uncommon to speak with people who have been with EGGER 25+ years!
Competitive compensation & training
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a benefits package including medical and other insurances, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, and more. In addition, you'll enjoy strong company training both within your department and other areas within EGGER.
Future opportunities
We're working hard to build initial success in North America, but also have our eyes on future growth and development. For example, while you'll be an independent contributor at first, in time, you could take on direct report(s). Or, you could work to develop another department, such as Recycled Wood. You could pursue opportunities in North America or across the world.
Family culture
We are a family-owned business and a company that respects and values our employees. You will never be just a number here. At EGGER, every human being has relevance and makes a difference. We appreciate our employees and value their contributions.
Investment in Lexington
The Lexington, North Carolina, facility in Davidson County will be the company’s first manufacturing plant in the U.S. This facility will be a state-of-the-art particleboard manufacturing plant with the best available technology. EGGER also has a distribution center near Detroit, Michigan, which opened in late 2017. The company’s U.S. sales office has already moved to Lexington, North Carolina, where our U.S. HQ operations are also based.
Keys to Success
Although EGGER is generating a lot of buzz and will become a major player in the area, this is a role that will still require someone with the expertise and self-motivation to build the wood purchasing function nearly from the ground level. You will spend a good deal of your time working with dealers / suppliers, building long-term relationships as you expand the network, and negotiating cost-effective prices and multi-year contracts for quality virgin wood. You'll know you're hitting the mark when the plant is full of wood that is top-quality and put in place via well-negotiated, cost-effective contracts. Your primary KPIs will be around the price, quantity and quality of the wood you bring in.In addition, to be an outstanding Assistant Wood Purchasing Manager, you will:
- Approach your work holistically, realizing that every area and every department is touched by your efforts
- Demonstrate confidence and knowledge in your approach and dealings
- Maintain an unwavering commitment to safety and quality
- Work effectively locally and globally. Outstanding communication skills will be critical