Arbor Wood Company (AWCo) has an opening for a
Plant Operations Manager for our new production facility located in Bagley, Minnesota. Arbor Wood Company uses domestically-sourced and sustainably-harvested wood to produce Thermally Modified Wood (TMW) for a variety of outdoor and indoor applications including siding, decking, and architectural millwork. The Plant Operations Manager will manage the organization’s operations budget, technology, equipment, and raw materials to ensure production of best-in-class thermally modified wood products while maintaining a safe, efficient and cost-conscious production environment.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Plant Operations Manager will be the hands-on leader of the new facility start-up team. This individual will work with equipment manufacturers and suppliers on facility layout, compliance with environmental health and occupational safety statutes, and will develop the steps of the manufacturing conversion process with a focus on efficiency and elimination of bottlenecks. The Plant Operations Manager will develop the staffing model for the plant and hire the operations team.Post Start-up, the Plant Operations Manager will be accountable for plant performance and achievement of results on a day-to-day basis.

The ideal individual for this role will be experienced in the wood products industry, possess a business management and manufacturing background, and will have strong team leadership skills with the ability to get work done through others.

Principal Responsibilities:
Leadership and Administration-

• Establishes and utilizes effective employee hiring and training practices. Develops the technical competency of his/her team.
• Develops and motivates staff by managing responsibilities, providing support, and ensuring accountability.
• Creates a high-performance culture that drives ownership and continuous improvement at all levels.
• Incorporates lean manufacturing principles across plant operations.
• Develops and maintains operational reporting metrics.
• Forecasts and maintains the financial budget; manages overall operation costs and capital expenditures to ensure budget commitments are achieved.
• Assists in building the company’s image by collaborating with customers, suppliers, community representatives, and employees while maintaining and enforcing ethical business practices.

Manufacturing Operations-

• Procures all domestic materials used in the manufacturing process. Effectively supports production requirements while minimizing inventory carry costs.
• Manages the work-in-process, finished goods, and rough stock inventories to maximize inventory turns and plant efficiency.
• Manages daily scheduling and timing of production with consideration of staffing, lead times, packaging and shipping requirements. Plans for both current and future production requirements and for maximizing equipment usage.
• Oversees the daily start-up and shift changeovers. Ensures proper staffing and monitors production, providing high-level troubleshooting support for resolution of any production issues.
• With the Process Engineer, develops and maintains a maintenance program for the facility that minimizes downtime.
• Manages the custom order process including job-costing, customer quotes and scheduling custom shop time.

Process Control/Improvement-

• Promotes a continuous improvement culture through communication and coaching employees as well as finding opportunities for streamlining production activities, enhancing value-added processes, maximizing yield, and reducing waste throughout production, inventory, and procurement systems.
• Champions and leads kaizen events.
• Applies knowledge of innovative technology available, industry trend and development to improve the operation.

Safety-

• Conducts job safety analysis and establishes environmental, health and safety rules for all plant operations ensuring OSHA compliance in the protection of workers. Provides all required training as well as regular communications that promote a “safety first” focus.

Note: This list of responsibilities is not all inclusive and may change from time to time based on the needs of the business, with or without notice.

Required Qualifications-

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Manufacturing Operations, or Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum six years of manufacturing experience
• Experience in a wood products environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L results
• Demonstrated effective staff leadership
• Prior SPC, Lean, Six Sigma and/or other process improvement experience required.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of a manufacturing organization
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Must be detail oriented and have the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• The position will ultimately support a 24/7 manufacturing cycle. Therefore, some off-shift, on-call, and weekend work will be required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
• High-pressure Boiler License must be obtained within 6 months of employment
• Fork-lift license

Physical Requirements-

The minimum physical requirements for this position include:

• Working conditions are normal for both an office and manufacturing environment including exposure to dust and heat
• Work may involve lifting materials and products up to 50 pounds.
• Working in the manufacturing environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, work shoes/boots.
• Ability to stand for an extended period of time, walk, reach, and bend to perform job duties

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• On call
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Work Location: One location

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