The Plant Manager at Idaho Forest Group provides strategic, campus-wide leadership across every phase of plant operations-from the log yard through final shipping. This role develops and empowers high-performing teams while driving a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Plant Manager ensures production goals are achieved efficiently and consistently in alignment with IFG policies, procedures, and standards of excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Manage safety policies, procedures and cultivate a culture for continuous safety improvements.
- Oversee daily/shift operations to include the Planer, Sawmill, Log Yard, Boiler/Kilns, Maintenance and Shipping.
- Partner with other members of management including Sales/Marketing, Log Procurement, Purchasing, HR, Finance, Engineering to ensure efficient business operations.
- Foster proactive leadership and teamwork that enhances IFG culture and standards.
- Collaborate with HR and other members of management on operational and people related matters.
- Train, coach, evaluate and counsel team members.
- Communicate in an effective and timely manner.
- Develop, communicate, and implement optimal production goals.
- Ensure a culture of preventative and proactive maintenance.
- Lead teams in regular production analysis, i.e. root cause, for continuous improvement including production metrics, recovery, optimization, uptime, downtime, etc...
- Work closely with sales & shipping departments to track product tallies and sales needs.
- Ensure the entire campus is consistently clean.
- Manage & oversee improvement projects.
- Evaluate and calculate ROI opportunities for capital improvements.
- Partner with Finance team and other management to create and adhere to fiscal budgets.
- Own site level profit and loss including accuracy of inventory levels and reporting metrics
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- 5+ years of leadership experience, preferably in a manufacturing production facility
- Technical Skills:
- Proficient computer skills - Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and similar software skills required for production analysis and projections.
- Soft Skills:
- Leadership: The ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve a common goal.
- Must be able to work various shifts, days, and weekends.
- Ability to pass a hair follicle drug test, post-offer pre-employment physical, and background check.
- Valid Driver's License with acceptable motor vehicle history for business travel in company vehicle.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in an Engineering discipline such as in Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical from an accredited College or University.
- 3+ years of experience related to partnering with sales/marketing to achieve optimal margin.
- Working knowledge of WWPA grading rules and standards.
- Working knowledge of a preventative and proactive maintenance management system.
- Lean Manufacturing experience.
- Previous experience in a Planer mill and/or Sawmill preferred.
- Working knowledge of OSHA regulations & compliance.
- Knowledge of boiler/kiln operations and drying process.
- A combination of relevant experience and education may be considered.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Office, Finance, Corporate, Mill SupervisoryAbility to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.
- Bend at waist - occasional
- Twist upper body - occasional
- Stoop - occasional
- Lift above waist height - occasional
- Lift over 50 lbs. - rare
- Repetitive use of hands - constant for clerical duties
- Stand/walk - occasional
- Sit - frequent
- Vision - near and far correctable; depth perception
- Hearing - preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies
WORK ENVIRONMENTMust be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust).
