Log Procurement Supervisor

About the Role

The Log Procurement Supervisor purchases and supplies sawlogs to the Company hardwood lumber sawmill, developing strategies and relationships with suppliers to procure hardwood sawlogs to meet mill production needs. The position manages log scale, grade, cost, and quality, oversees the mill scalers, and coordinates with the Mill log yard operations. Periodically engages in the procurement of green lumber to ensure on time delivery to customer commitments, operations and inventory optimization.

Essential Function / Duties

1. Procurement of logs for Company Sawmill

• Purchase hardwood sawlogs from suppliers in accordance with species, volume, and cost budget targets and Mill need
• Develop procurement plans and strategies and assist with budgets
• Coordinate sawlog procurement with the internal supply from JML Forestry operation
• Build and maintaining strong and effective relationships with suppliers
• Determine and coordinate the transportation and logistics of purchased sawlogs as needed
• Negotiate and execute purchase agreements and oversee compliance; review and approve payments to suppliers
• Analyze market prices and trends, provide forecasts and report on findings
• Develop cost control strategies; provide economic analysis of procurement program
• Evaluate and recommend new strategies

2. Ensure quality of sawlogs according to mill specifications and demands

• Manage the scale and grade of purchased sawlogs
• Manage inventory levels within yard, working with Mill personnel
• Manage the efficient flow of logs through log rotation and sorting in coordination with Mill cutting schedules
• Work with log yard, mill operations and quality team to ensure all sawlogs are meeting required specifications
• Take corrective actions as needed

• Promote a safety culture by operating at the highest standards and complying with all regulations and policies

• Regular participation in daily production meetings and understanding of relevant metrics and drivers to schedule, both front end and back end operations requirements
• Oversee compliance with agency regulations, state, local and federal laws and regulations along with forestry certification programs as required.

• Supervises log scalers

• Manage records and trip tickets of incoming and outgoing loads

• Facilitate entering of log purchases into LIMS or other relevant software
• Manages off species and firewood sales
• Assists with sawmill tests or stumpage bids

Work Schedule / Supervision

Position: Full-time; 40 hours per week; can be substantially more; irregular hours with early start time; constant travel to yards, remote woodlands sites; overnight stays out of town;

Position Status: Exempt Status: without compensation and without notice

Recommended Education / Experience

5 years’ experience procuring forest products, negotiation of contracts, understanding of market pricing, supervisory experience, knowledge of timber types and products; northern hardwood log grading/scaling rules; inventory management, strong safety background, strong computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel. Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry (or equivalent experience)

Expected Behaviors / Qualities

Organizational and leadership skills, detail and results oriented; positive and cooperative attitude, honest, trustworthy, team oriented, respectful, diplomatic, well organized and able to work independently and with others to arrive at decisions and solve problems.

Physical/Mental Activities

Excellent physical health and stamina; analyze data; make judgments and decisions; present, exchange ideas and information clearly; maintain order with changing priorities; cope with stressful work; negotiate conflicts/problems; respond quickly, appropriately in a crisis

Work Environment

Mainly outdoors in log yard or woodlands settings; exposure to outside weather conditions in all seasons, work around heavy equipment and sawmill operations

About the Company

Northern Hardwoods is an integrated hardwoods products company that manages the entire forest-to-products process, from harvesting timber to the production of hardwood lumber, pulpwood, and veneer logs in a State-Of-The-Art Hardwood Sawmill. Northern Hardwoods prides itself on its one-of-a-kind white hard maple. The company has capabilities to Surface 2 Sides (S2S) all its products, along with Straight Line Rip One Edge and Rip to Width. Northern Hardwoods specializes in slow drying pre-dry and kiln operation, sustainable forest management, and ripped to width lumber strips. Please visit our website www.northernhardwoods.com to learn more about the company.

Northern Hardwoods is a portfolio organization of the J.M. Longyear family of companies. Headquartered in Marquette, Michigan, J.M. Longyear is a privately held asset-based manager with 150 years of experience growing long-term value. Longyear's interests span a vast spectrum of markets that include forestry and land management, mining & metals, hardwood products, manufacturing, real estate, and medical device products. Please visit www.jmlongyear.com for more information.

*See attached job description below*