What are the responsibilities and job description for the Building Materials Buyer position at Hughes Lumber Company?
Position Summary
Hughes Lumber Company is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Building Materials Buyer to manage the procurement of lumber and building materials across our operations. This role is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and maintaining optimal inventory levels to support sales, production, and customer needs while ensuring cost efficiency and strong vendor relationships.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, responsive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.
Key Responsibilities
- Purchase lumber, building materials, and related products to meet inventory and customer demand
- Maintain appropriate stock levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory
- Monitor market pricing, availability, and trends to make informed purchasing decisions
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to ensure cost-effective procurement
- Work closely with sales, operations, and yard teams to forecast needs and anticipate demand
- Track order status, backorders, and delivery timelines to ensure timely fulfillment
- Resolve issues related to shortages, damaged goods, or delivery discrepancies
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, reports, and inventory data in the system
- Prepare and deliver ad hoc reporting as requested by the President
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements
- Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures
Qualifications
- 2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or inventory management (lumber/building materials preferred)
- Strong knowledge of lumber grades, building materials, or construction supply chain preferred
- Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Proficient with inventory management or ERP systems (preferred)
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments
Preferred Attributes
- Background in lumber yard, distribution, or construction supply environment
- Ability to anticipate demand and make proactive purchasing decisions
- Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-moving operational setting
- Strong business judgment and cost-conscious mindset
What We Offer
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Opportunity to directly impact company profitability and efficiency
- Stable, growing company with strong leadership and team culture
- Hands-on role with visibility across the organization