Sawmill Manager - Besse Forest Products

Sawmill Manager

Besse Forest Products Group, headquartered in Gladstone, MI, is one of the leading producers of hardwood lumber, veneer, and plywood in North America operating four sawmills, lumber concentration yard, three veneer mills, one plywood plant, and employs over 350 personnel.

We are currently seeking a dedicated Sawmill Manager to join our Baraga Lumber Division, located in Baraga, MI!

Job Summary:

The Sawmill Manager is a critical leadership role within Besse Forest Products Group, responsible for overseeing all aspects of sawmill operations to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and safety. The successful candidate will lead a team dedicated to producing high-quality forest products, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and achieving production targets while maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship.

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: Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing 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 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, monitor operational expenses, and implement strategies to reduce costs and improve profitability.
• Upper Management Engagement: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, sales, and human resources, to align sawmill operations with overall business objectives. Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, and customers.
• Technology and Innovation: Oversee the adoption and integration of the latest sawmill technologies and innovations to enhance operational efficiency and product quality.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Forestry, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in sawmill or wood products manufacturing operations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to motivate and lead a diverse team.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing lean manufacturing or continuous improvement processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of industry-related safety and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in operational and business software systems.

Why Join Besse Forest Products Group?

Besse Forest Products Group is a leader in the forest products industry, offering a dynamic and challenging work environment where innovation and commitment to quality are valued.

Besse Forest Products Group offers exceptional benefits and compensation package. Benefits include medical and prescription insurance, FSA, HSA, dental insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k) Plan, vacation package and paid holidays.

Qualified individuals can email their resume to:
Amanda Tiernan
Human Resources Recruiting Manager
Besse Forest Products Group
Email: atiernan@bessegroup.com
Phone: 906.280.3153