Sawmill Manager

Overview:

The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) is a next-generation sawmill operator focused on sustainable, low-cost manufacturing of dimensional wood products. TLM is designing a state-of-the-art, modular sawmill to produce high-grade dimensional products with high efficiency. TLM is backed by leading investors including Cantos, Slow Ventures, Susa Ventures, Banter, and Ravelin Capital.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mill Manager to manage the operations of our first lumber manufacturing facility in New Albany, Mississippi. This is a key role that will be integral to TLM’s success. This is a full-time, salaried position reporting to the Head of Production.

Duties:

As Mill Manager, you are responsible for setting up the site, hiring the local team, and operating the mill. You will set up and operate a safe and reliable manufacturing facility. You are the primary owner of site performance, responsible for meeting business objectives of the site, including establishing a stable operating rhythm within the first 3 months and ensuring on-time delivery of quality products to customers. You will also focus on building a zero-waste culture, minimizing operational cost, maximizing team engagement, and developing future leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Direct and manage all sawmill operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, and inventory management, to meet or exceed established performance metrics.
• Team Management: Recruit, train, and retain local workforce talent. Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performance team, ensuring effective training, performance evaluation, and workforce planning to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure a safe working environment for all employees by setting and enforcing safety policies, procedures, and regulations. Maintain compliance with all legal and corporate environmental standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging lean manufacturing principles to enhance productivity, efficiency, and product quality. Identify and implement cost reduction strategies without compromising quality or safety.
• Budget and Cost Control: Develop and manage the sawmill budget, experience with profit/loss, ability to develop 3-to-5 year plan, monitor operational expenses, and implement strategies to reduce costs and improve profitability.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sawmill operations with overall business objectives. Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors and customers.
• Technology and Innovation: Oversee the implementation of TLM’s sawmill technologies and innovations at the mill to enhance operational efficiency and product quality. Support hands-on integration and troubleshooting of technology.
• Startup Environment: Experience building teams and systems from the ground up. Ability to operate in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in manufacturing operations
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to motivate and lead a diverse team
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, results-driven approach. Highly resourceful with strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of industry-related safety and environmental regulations
• Able to work flexible hours as needed in a mill environment

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Manufacturing experience in Wood Products (especially softwood lumber)
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Wood Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 5 years progressive experience in wood products
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous
• Proficiency in operational and business software systemsimprovement tools and processes

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person