Sr. Commodity Buyer - Building Materials - GPAC

Job Posting: Purchasing Manager

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt

Reports To: CEO

We are seeking a dynamic Purchasing Manager to join our growing lumber, building materials, and forest products wholesale operation. This role is based at our Seattle, WA branch and will be instrumental in driving the success of the branch by overseeing the purchasing efforts, managing supplier relationships, and contributing to the growth of our sales and margin goals.

Who Are We? We are a privately held organization specializing in providing building materials to project owners in the multi-family, commercial, and residential construction sectors. With operations and product divisions across the U.S., we are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction, guided by our core principles of quality, safety, teamwork, and profitability.

Our Guiding Principles:

• Delight Customers: Going the extra mile is key to our success.
• Quality: Attention to detail and work ethic are paramount.
• Safety: Safety drives action. Never take high-risk actions.
• Grit: We will overcome any obstacle in our path.
• Teamwork: Respect each other, listen, and help.
• Profitability: Discipline drives results. Stay cost-conscious.
• Good Judgment: Use discretion where appropriate.

Role Overview:

The Purchasing Manager will be a key member of the leadership team responsible for managing all purchasing activities at the branch. This includes leading efforts to cultivate supplier relationships, ensure the timely delivery of products, and meet sales and gross margin goals. You will collaborate with the VP of Strategy, sales teams, and executive leadership to foster growth, manage supplier relations, and drive overall branch success.

Core Responsibilities:

• Meet and exceed sales and gross margin targets, with an annual sales goal of $250M and a gross margin goal of $37.5M.
• Lead the purchasing efforts at the branch, handling both local/yard customers and regional/multifamily customers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, mills, and distributors of forest and lumber products.
• Conduct supplier site visits at least annually, becoming the "customer of choice" for suppliers providing large volumes of products.
• Partner with the VP of Strategy to run sales meetings, provide training, and support performance monitoring for the branch.
• Work with the sales team to generate leads, prospect, and develop new customer relationships in the multi-family, commercial, and residential sectors.
• Monitor account profitability, customer satisfaction, and loyalty, addressing any issues proactively.
• Oversee product/material shipments and ensure the timely delivery of products, working closely with dispatch, logistics, and account management teams.
• Prioritize workflow and customer needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Conduct market research and stay informed on pricing trends to support pricing strategies and solicitation efforts.
• Maintain clear communication with the executive team, providing feedback and insights when necessary.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience: 15 years in purchasing with mills, lumber suppliers, and distributors of forest products within a 500-mile radius of Seattle.
• Sales Experience: 5 years of experience selling to general contractors (GC) or framer project owners in multi-family, commercial, and/or residential construction.
• Existing Deal Flow: Experience or relationships with General Contractors or framer project owners in the multi-family space is a plus.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple urgent requests and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a direct and forthright style.
• Strong growth mindset and a "grinder" orientation to work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, and web-based software.
• Ability to contribute to building an energetic and positive team culture.
• Education: 4-year college degree required.

Compensation:

• Competitive base salary with bonus potential in the first year.
• After year one, eligibility for a commission-based compensation program, including a tiered structure with a draw and semi-annual settlements.
• Benefits package includes health insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off (PTO).

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to be part of a growing company with an established market presence.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment with a focus on employee growth and success.
• Competitive pay with performance-based compensation.
• Access to comprehensive benefits and development opportunities.

If you are a seasoned purchasing professional with a passion for building materials and a strong track record of success, we encourage you to apply and join our team. Help us drive growth, excellence, and customer satisfaction in the building materials industry!

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Email

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.