Sales Manager - Sawmill Lumber

Smurfit Westrock; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Career growth opportunities

Inclusive and safety-focused work env.

Competitive salary

Job summary

Mahrt/Cottonton Sawmill is seeking a Sales Manager based in the U.S. Southeast region to lead a high-performing lumber sales team and drive revenue growth.

The role focuses on sales strategy, customer relationship expansion, and new business development within finished lumber markets. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial sales, strong knowledge of lumber markets, and proven leadership to coach the team and meet revenue targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Forestry, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of industrial sales experience with demonstrated strategy development and customer base growth.
• Knowledge of lumber markets, products, and industry trends.
• Strong business development, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Proficiency with CRM tools and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Experience leading sales teams and driving performance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Promote a safety culture and ensure policy compliance across sales and logistics.
• Lead the development and execution of finished product sales to meet targets.
• Coach and develop the sales team to achieve targets and improve performance.
• Identify and pursue new lumber market opportunities.
• Collaborate with operations to align production with market trends.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, distributors, partners.
• Serve as primary contact for key accounts.
• Resolve customer issues and ensure high satisfaction.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and feedback.
• Adjust sales and pricing strategies based on dynamics.
• Coordinate with production and finance for order fulfillment.
• Manage outbound logistics and keep CRM records.
• Provide reports on sales performance, forecasts, and pipeline.

Skills

Sales leadership

Strategic planning

Business development

Negotiation

Communication

CRM

MS Office

Travel availability

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Forestry/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CRM tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Sawmill Lumber Sales Manager BASED IN COTTONTON, AL is responsible for leading and developing a high-performing sales team driving sustained revenue growth for the Mahrt/Cottonton Sawmill. This role will develop and execute strategic sales plans, strengthen and expand customer relationships, and identify new business opportunities within the finished lumber market. The successful candidate will routinely collaborate with internal stakeholders to maximize market opportunities and business performance. Key responsibilities include sales strategy development and execution, direct customer communications and sales account management, business development, outbound logistics of finished products, market analysis, and team leadership. Our ideal candidate will also have a track record of successful outside sales experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while supporting safe work practices across sales and logistics activities
• Lead the development and execution of finished product sales to meet volume, lumber product distribution, and revenue targets.
• Lead, coach, and develop the sales team to effectively execute sales strategies, achieve sales targets, and drive continuous performance improvement.
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities for lumber products.
• Collaborate with operations to align production capabilities with market trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, distributors, and partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts.
• Resolve customer issues and ensure high satisfaction levels.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback.
• Modify sales/ pricing strategies based on market dynamics and cost structures.
• Work closely with production and finance teams to ensure seamless and timely order fulfillment.
• Manage outbound logistics including shipping of product from the mill to the customer in alignment with SOP’s and market conditions. Maintain accurate records of sales activities in Customer Relationship Management systems.
• Provide regular reports on sales performance, forecasts, and pipeline development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Forestry, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial sales that demonstrates success in developing and executing a sales strategy including growing a customer base.
• Knowledge of lumber markets, products, and industry trends.
• Strong business development, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to create sales strategies and targets.
• Experience leading sales teams and driving performance results.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and more.
• Opportunities for career growth within a global leader in sustainable packaging.
• Inclusive and safety-focused work environment.