Commodity Trader

WS Building Materials; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding Family Medical Benefits Package

Substantial Stock Ownership Program

401k with Employer Matching

Job summary

WS Building Materials is seeking an experienced Commodity Trader to join North Star Forest Materials in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This role focuses on managing an established customer portfolio while driving business growth in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sales or purchasing within the forest products sector, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently. This position offers a competitive compensation package and substantial benefits.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of sales or purchasing experience in forest products.
• Strong financial, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow established customer portfolios.
• Proactively develop new business opportunities.
• Source, quote, and trade assigned commodity products.

Skills

Sales and purchasing experience

Financial analysis

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

ERP platforms

Job description

With all your career options, why not choose a company where you can own part of the business?

North Star Forest Material is the Commodity Division of WS Building Materials, a subsidiary of MacArthur Company, and is 100% Employee‑Owned. WS Building Materials has grown to be the leading distributor of specialty building materials, engineered wood components, and industrial lumber materials. With us, you will receive an ownership stake in the value our combined honest efforts create.

North Star Forest Materials (NSFM) is seeking an experienced Commodity Trader to join our growing team in St. Paul, Minnesota. This position is ideal for a driven, market‑focused professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and enjoys building strong supplier and customer relationships while driving profitable growth.

The Commodity Trader is responsible for the sales, procurement, pricing, and market management of commodity forest products, including Visual and Machine Stress Rated Lumber, Studs, Plywood, and Oriented Strand Board (OSB).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow an established customer portfolio across multiple industry segments, including:
• Truss and Component Manufacturers
• Retail Lumber Dealers
• Post Frame Companies
• Industrial Customers
• Proactively develop new business opportunities and expand market share
• Maintain strong customer relationships through consistent communication, pricing support, and market expertise
• Collaborate with internal teams to align inventory, pricing, and sales strategies with market demand
• Provide clear and timely market updates to internal and external stakeholders

Product & Market Management

• Monitor and analyze market trends, pricing movements, supply conditions, and production activity
• Review commodity margin performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and inventory turns
• Partner cross‑functionally with sales, operations, and leadership teams to support strategic product decisions
• Assist with warranty, grading, or product‑related challenges as needed

Sourcing & Procurement

• Source, quote, and trade assigned commodity products while managing the order process from entry through delivery
• Negotiate supplier pricing, terms, contracts, and rebate programs
• Work closely with senior traders and operations teams to develop regional and national product programs

Why Join NSFM?

• Established and respected presence within the forest products industry
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals
• Fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment with growth potential
• As a trader with North Star, you get paid for performance. No cap on earnings

Benefits Package

• Outstanding Family Medical Benefits Package
• Substantial Stock Ownership Program
• Competitive Compensation Packages
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & 8 Paid Holidays Each Year
• Employer‑Sponsored Family Dental Insurance
• 401k and Roth 401k Investment Accounts (With Substantial Employer Matching)
• Employer‑Sponsored Life & Disability Insurance

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Management, or a related field preferred (Relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of education.)
• Minimum of 4 years of sales, purchasing, or field experience in forest products or related building materials
• Strong financial, analytical, and strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building abilities
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and general business systems/ERP platforms
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment