Outside Sales Representative - Lumber & Building Materials

Location: Palmerton, PA

Territory: Palmerton and surrounding communities

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Lumber & Building Materials Distribution

Position Overview

An established, employee-owned lumber and building materials distributor is seeking a motivated, results-driven Outside Sales Representative to grow its business in the Palmerton, Pennsylvania market.

This opportunity is ideal for a sales professional who understands the building materials industry, enjoys developing relationships with contractors and builders, and has the initiative to actively pursue new business.

The successful candidate will inherit an established customer base while taking ownership of expanding the territory through prospecting, relationship development, and exceptional customer service.

We are looking for a true sales professional who is comfortable getting out into the market, visiting jobsites, identifying opportunities, and turning new relationships into long-term, profitable accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop New Business: Actively prospect for new customers, including residential builders, general contractors, remodelers, and other construction professionals.
• Grow Existing Accounts: Manage and expand an established customer base by identifying additional sales opportunities and strengthening relationships.
• Build Contractor Relationships: Maintain a consistent presence in the territory through jobsite visits, customer meetings, networking, and proactive follow-up.
• Prepare Estimates and Quotes: Review project requirements, coordinate material takeoffs, develop competitive pricing, and prepare accurate proposals.
• Manage Sales Profitability: Grow revenue while maintaining appropriate margins and making sound pricing decisions.
• Coordinate Customer Orders: Work closely with inside sales, purchasing, operations, and delivery teams to ensure orders are accurate and delivered on schedule.
• Deliver Outstanding Service: Respond promptly to customer inquiries, resolve issues, and maintain consistent communication throughout the sales process.
• Own Territory Performance: Establish sales goals, manage an active pipeline, and independently execute a strategy for sustained territory growth.

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience in outside sales, contractor sales, or business development within lumber, building materials, or closely related construction products.
• Working knowledge of products and materials used in residential construction.
• Demonstrated ability to prospect, establish new customer relationships, and grow sales revenue.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• A self-directed, accountable work style with excellent organization and follow-through.
• Ability to work effectively with contractors, builders, and internal operational teams.

Preferred:

• Outside sales experience with a lumberyard, building materials distributor, or contractor supply company.
• Experience preparing material estimates, reviewing construction plans, and coordinating takeoffs.
• Familiarity with lumber, engineered wood products, framing packages, windows, doors, millwork, siding, roofing, or other residential building products.
• Experience managing territory profitability, gross margins, and customer pricing.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:

• A hunter mentality: You enjoy finding new customers rather than relying exclusively on existing relationships or incoming leads.
• Strong initiative: You independently organize your day, identify opportunities, and consistently pursue business.
• Contractor credibility: You understand the challenges builders face and know how to become a trusted resource.
• Responsiveness and reliability: Customers and colleagues can count on you to communicate, follow through, and deliver on commitments.
• Competitive drive: You are motivated by measurable results and take pride in growing your territory.
• Long-term relationship building: You understand that repeat business is earned through trust, service, and consistent performance.

Compensation & Opportunity

• Competitive compensation with commission-based earning potential.
• Established book of business providing a foundation for continued growth.
• Significant opportunity to increase earnings by developing new accounts and expanding territory sales.
• Support from an experienced branch and operations team.
• The opportunity to work with an established organization that values customer relationships, accountability, and long-term success.