Procurement Forester

About the Role

We have an opportunity for a Procurement Forester to join our Mahrt, AL Forest Resources team. This role assists in aggressively managing fiber purchase requirements, supporting the overall region objectives to maintain the lowest cost, highest quality fiber sourcing in support of each mill’s forecasted needs while maintaining the highest compliance with safety and environmental requirements. The Procurement Forester will work with suppliers and landowners to secure delivered volumes of roundwood to our Mahrt & Cottonton Mill facilities. The position will identify and develop fiber supply, lead and support team initiatives, and provide strong customer service to our mill.

Responsibilities

• Lead, promote, enhance, and model Smurfit Westrock’s safety and environmentally conscious culture.
• Assist the Area Manager in executing the annual strategic purchase plan to provide the highest value fiber to the digester by identifying and developing fiber sources and ensuring a consistent supply of targeted levels of delivered fiber through external purchases.
• Assist in the development of tactical plans supporting the annual strategy to deliver on mill requirements and lead the ground-level execution of these plans.
• Demonstrate understanding of market data, identify cost savings opportunities, and provide feedback and options to the Area Manager for decision-making.
• Work with other members of the regional team to execute the fiber supply plan with precision and urgency, adjusting strategy and tactics based on changes in market conditions and/or mill operations.
• Evaluate delivered fiber opportunities and negotiate pricing based on true market demands to provide high-quality fiber at the lowest possible costs.
• Purchase fiber that meets and exceeds Smurfit Westrock’s sustainability and certification standards, including compliance with multiple certification standards and all state and federal forestry best management practices.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders including peers, the fiber procurement team, management, landowners, and suppliers regarding operations, strategies, and execution status.
• Assist the Area Manager in developing and reporting timely and accurate financial information, including budgets, forecasts, and projected spending.
• Identify and support opportunities to increase productivity and efficiency across the region.

Requirements

• 5+ years of work experience related to direct interaction with external wood fiber suppliers or completion of a procurement forestry internship.
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and other software.
• Capability to learn and develop tactical plans based on mill requirements, solid analysis, and robust market data.
• Ability to learn, build, and track financial forecasts and budgets.
• Proven and effective negotiating skills.

Benefits

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety, and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of daily work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer but before starting employment.