[Hiring] Field Sales Representative @Columbia Forest Products

Role Description

The Field / Outside Sales Representative is responsible for developing new business and servicing existing accounts across distribution and OEM channels within an assigned territory. The role focuses on building strong customer relationships, understanding end-user markets, and driving profitable growth through data-informed territory management.

Working closely with an inside sales partner, this position manages territory budgets, leads, customer visits, margins, volume, and P&L performance while monitoring results and adjusting business plans as needed. The role requires direct engagement with existing and prospective customers to assess needs, quote pricing, recommend solutions, and support the full order process.

The Field / Outside Sales Representative provides market and industry insights, promotes specials and programs, performs market deep dives, and serves as a customer advocate by proactively resolving quality, logistics, claims, and service issues. The position also coordinates customer mill visits, collaborates with internal partners and suppliers, and ensures alignment between customer needs and company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Responds to sales inquiries from distribution and OEM customers directly, as well as from the inside sales partner and regional sales offices or mills.
• Works in close partnership with an inside sales representative to manage customer communication and execution.
• Seeks out new customer business in accordance with the business plan and market deep-dive analysis.
• Sets up travel, itineraries, and customer meetings to address current needs, resolve issues, and introduce new products, channels, or quotes.
• Quotes price, availability, and anticipated manufacturing lead times of product to customers in conjunction with the inside sales partner.
• Stays current on all price lists, price changes, manufacturing schedules, and plant capabilities.
• Maintains detailed call reports and actively communicates with the organization; provides regular reporting on progress, opportunities, and issues.
• Manages territory budgets, volume, margins, leads, and overall performance; adjusts business plans as necessary.
• Completes deep-dive market analysis, budgeting, and business planning activities, including coordination with corporate analytics.
• Pulls in resources from plants, supply chain, or other sales team members to remedy customer needs.
• Follows up on claims and service issues, collaborating with inside sales, customers, and plants to resolve concerns.
• Coordinates and provides customer mill visits, tours, and hospitality.
• Works closely with hardwood veneer providers and buyers to meet aesthetic, quality, and application requirements.
• Serves as a customer advocate while ensuring alignment with company objectives and values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred (Business or Wood Technology)
• 3+ years sales experience (Wood Product industry preferred; Distribution, Manufacturing, or Supply)
• Willingness to travel (40%) and relocate if necessary
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a customer-service mindset