Operations Manager

Overview The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily sawmill operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality processing of lumber products. This role directs shift supervisors, coordinates with maintenance and safety teams, and drives productivity, cost control, and continuous improvement across production lines. The Production Manager plays a key leadership role in fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork and operational excellence. Major Responsibilities and Duties: Production Planning & Execution • · Plan, organize, and control production schedules to meet daily, weekly, and monthly targets. • · Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including output, downtime, yield, and scrap rates. • · Balance labor and equipment resources to optimize throughput and minimize bottlenecks. • Team Leadership & Development • Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and hourly team members. • · Ensure proper staffing, training, and shift coverage to support production goals. • · Drive performance management, employee engagement, and workforce development initiatives. Safety & Compliance • · Promote and enforce a strong safety culture across all shifts. • · Ensure compliance with OSHA, company safety policies, and environmental regulations. • · Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions. Process Improvement & Quality Control • · Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, downtime, and cost. • · Support quality assurance programs to ensure all products meet customer and regulatory standards. • · Work closely with maintenance and engineering teams to troubleshoot production issues and equipment reliability. Reporting & Communication • · Prepare daily and weekly production reports for plant leadership and corporate teams. • · Lead production meetings and coordinate activities with other departments (e.g., maintenance, logistics, HR). • · Communicate expectations and priorities clearly across all levels of the workforce Team Management & Supervision • · Provide effective, positive leadership to motivate a team of hourly production employees, including: • · Confirming time, attendance (or authorized or unauthorized absence) and pay rate-via the payroll system daily • · Scheduling and authorizing time off requests for team members, and recording the absence in the payroll system • · Managing absenteeism in compliance with company policies and procedures. • · Ensuring safety protocols are in place and followed by team members. • · Train coach and develop production staff, providing guidance on best practices and safety standards, and technical troubleshooting. • · Perform regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to maintenance employees to improve team performance and skills. Utilize both positive reinforcements as well as disciplinary action to manage performance. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in industrial management, Operations, Engineering, or related field (preferred). • 5+ years of production or operations leadership experience in a manufacturing or lumber facility. • Proven track record in team leadership, production planning, and performance improvement. • Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is a plus. Pay: From $140,000.00 per year Benefits • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Paid time off • Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s) • Do you have hands on experience managing production KPIs (efficiency, downtime, scrap, yield) • Year of experience working in a sawmill or wood products manufacturing environment. • What sawmill equipment are you most experienced with (debarker, headrigs, edgers, trimmers, kilns, planers) Ability to Commute: • Plain Dealing, LA (Preferred) Work Location: In person