Job Title: Senior Plant Operations Manager – Lumber Manufacturing
Location: Magnolia, MS (Onsite)
Job Type: Direct Hire
Bonus: 20% Annual Bonus Eligible
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Plant Operations Manager to lead daily operations at a lumber manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Mill Manager, this role oversees production, maintenance, and operational support teams while driving safety, operational excellence, employee development, and financial performance. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with a strong background in wood products manufacturing and a passion for continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead safe, efficient, and cost-effective mill operations to achieve production, quality, and financial goals.
- Foster a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance, preventing incidents, and promoting employee engagement.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development for managers, supervisors, and frontline teams.
- Drive continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and operational best practices.
- Partner with maintenance to improve equipment reliability and maximize uptime.
- Monitor KPIs, manage budgets, reduce costs, and identify opportunities to improve productivity and profitability.
- Support capital projects and collaborate with plant leadership to execute business objectives.
- Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement through effective communication and visible leadership.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Forestry, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in wood products manufacturing or industrial operations.
- Wood products manufacturing experience required (Lumber preferred; OSB or Plywood accepted).
- Experience leading supervisors and a large hourly workforce in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong leadership, business, financial, communication, and organizational skills.
Preferred
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Experience with reliability‑centered maintenance and capital project execution.
- $131,000–$190,000 annual salary
- 20% annual bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and career development opportunities.