Mill Manager at Alta Forest Products – Shelton, Washington

Company Background:

Alta Forest Products is the world's largest producer of wood fence boards, specializing in Western Red Cedar and other premium species found in the Pacific and Inland Northwest forests. In addition to producing fence boards and pallet stock lumber, Alta's zero-wood-waste sawmills produce by-products such as wood chips, sawdust, mulch, and biofuel. Headquartered in centrally located Chehalis, Washington, Alta operates sawmills and reload facilities in rural communities throughout the Northwest

The Role:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Sawmill Operations Manager to lead and coordinate the activities of our sawmill, ensuring optimal efficiency and profitability. This role requires strong leadership skills and a focus on maximizing operational productivity. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic vision to our operations while driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate visible safety leadership by actively promoting, enforcing, and modeling compliance with all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and best practices, with accountability for maintaining a zero-injury workplace.
• Develop and implement organizational policies and goals.
• Direct and coordinate daily operations and production activities to achieve optimal efficiency and profitability.
• Collaborate with divisions such as manufacturing, engineering, sales, and R&D to enhance operational performance.
• Promote company products and services to explore new market opportunities and strengthen competitive positioning.
• Conduct budget analysis and recommend areas for reduction while efficiently allocating operating budgets.
• Review reports with administrative personnel to assess the need for program or operational changes.
• Prepare directives for department administrators outlining necessary policy or operational adjustments.
• Promote the organization within relevant industry associations.
• Swiftly manage and reduce downtime through effective problem resolution.
• Continuously evaluate mill performance and recommend enhancements to maintenance and production processes.
• Set and enforce safety standards to achieve a zero-injury work environment.
• Monitor departmental key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive improvements in customer quality, productivity, inventory levels, and cost reduction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Relevant industry experience with 5+ years of leadership and supervisory experience.
• Ability to analyze diverse information and design effective workflows.
• Skill in identifying problems and developing innovative solutions.
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute projects within budget and established timelines.
• Experience developing and communicating implementation plans for organizational changes.
• Knowledge of mill equipment, operations, predictive and preventative maintenance systems, and effective project management practices.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including at least intermediate proficiency in Excel.
• Self-disciplined with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee may occasionally be exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather), work at heights, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

The employee must frequently lift or carry 25 pounds and may occasionally be required to lift or move up to 100 pounds. The role regularly requires standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms. Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; climbing or balancing; and talking or hearing is required. Occasional sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling may be necessary.

These requirements are representative of the essential functions of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Position Type/Travel/Schedule

This position is classified as exempt per FLSA guidelines and is not eligible for overtime. A typical schedule requires the ability to work 40 hours per week. Flexibility to work evenings or nontraditional schedules to accommodate critical goals and objectives may be required. This is a full-time position, and additional hours may be necessary based on project or job demands. Occasional travel may be required.

Benefits & Pay

Alta Forest Products offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Company-paid short and long term disability insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents
• Voluntary life insurance options
• Supplemental insurance offerings, including accident, hospital, and critical illness coverage, etc.
• Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Semi-Annual bonus program tied to personal and business results
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Flexible work schedule, as business needs allow
• A collaborative, safety-focused culture with long-term growth opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Target starting salary: $125,000 - 165,000

Alta Forest Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion or creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Small company, big opportunity! Growing and investing in employees and mills, Alta aims to be an industry leader in product quality and employee experience.