Operations Manager

Western Forest Products is hiring for an Operations Manager to be based out of our Columbia Vista Division in Vancouver, WA.

What You’ll Do: Reporting to the General Manager, Pacific Northwest Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for all financial and operational activities in pursuance of business goals. Specifically, you’ll ensure continuous improvement in worker safety, operational efficiency, product quality and the profitability of the Operation.

Who You Are: This is a great opportunity for a demonstrated leader with 10+ years’ experience in the wood products manufacturing sector to join the organization and have a significant impact. The ideal candidate is self-motivated with a strong sense of initiative and ability to motivate teams for cross functional collaboration. You are knowledgeable in safety and manufacturing operations and are effective at driving process improvement.

Our total rewards offering includes:

• Salary range of $125,000 - $170,000 DOE based on your skill level, qualifications, and experience
• Performance Bonus
• Dental and Medical Benefits; employee premiums for base plan are 100% paid for by WFP
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Basic life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off (PTO) and Paid holidays

Work environment: this position will be based out of our Columbia Vista Division in Vancouver, WA. WFP Columbia Vista Division is a sawmill, kiln, and planer operation that produces high quality lumber products for domestic and export markets including Japan. The operation includes a log yard, mid-size log sawmill, dry kilns, planer, remanufacturing plant, and truck fleet. There are 105 staff and hourly employees associated with the division.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain a workplace culture that is aligned with the Company’s vision and values in respect to worker safety;
• Accountable for the finances of the operation and make changes and recommendations as required;
• Prepare the operation’s operating/maintenance/capital budgets;
• Identify opportunities for capital and develop business cases for the expenditure; and, once approved, oversee the purchase, installation, and start-up of the equipment;
• Recruit, develop, and prepare key personnel to meet the requirements of a competitive and dynamic industry and retain employees through strong leadership and opportunities to learn and progress;
• Assist in the training of supervision and operations personnel in problem solving techniques and root cause analysis troubleshooting techniques;
• Maintain open lines of communication with other Manufacturing Managers, Sales Managers, and internal/external customers;
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive approach to continuous improvement in all aspects of the operation, with a focus on improving efficiencies and cost control;
• Responsible for all manufacturing and processing functions in the operation;
• Ensure compliance with all Company rules and regulatory requirements as they pertain to the operation, including but not limited to OSHA, WA L&I and WA DoE;
• Support new product development with optimization, operations, and sales staff;
• Consistently evaluate and maintain the overall product quality in the operation; and
• Stay current with lumber manufacturing innovations and trends.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary degree in wood products, engineering or business administration preferred;
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in the wood products manufacturing sector;
• Proven leadership ability;
• Fully conversant with safety, production systems, environmental and other regulations/standards specific to the industry.

Skills, Knowledge and Required Competencies

• Commitment to Western’s core values of personal safety, sustainable management, and environmental stewardship;
• High level of integrity and professionalism;
• Comprehensive knowledge of wood products manufacturing;
• Strong inventory, financial and production management skills;
• Strong business acumen, financial analysis, and strategic planning skills;
• Ability to manage labor relations;
• Well-developed communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and people management skills.

YOUR CAREER

At Western Forest Products, we believe our most significant asset is our people. Investing in our people brings value and success to our business, ensuring a safe, engaged, productive and continuously improving workplace. We offer challenging opportunities working alongside the best in the industry to meet your career and professional development goals while providing competitive total rewards and recognition.

We provide a variety of on-the-job training and continuing education in many areas at Western to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed. Our promote-from-within culture recognizes high performance and we offer diverse career paths across the organization for those with the talent and will to advance.

Our total rewards offering including competitive pay, performance bonus, pension plan, benefits and other programs designed to support our employees.

WESTERN OVERVIEW

Western Forest Products is a leading forest products company that sustainably manages forests and manufactures high-quality wood products. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with operations in the coastal region of BC and Washington State, Western meets the needs of customers worldwide with a specialty wood products focus and diverse product offering.

Our commitment to health and safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement is core to how we do business at Western Forest Products.

Our approach to responsible business practices in all aspects of our business is multi-faceted. We adhere to and employ the most stringent environmental practices in the world. The steps we take to ensure the forests in which we operate are renewed and remain healthy and viable for future generations are mirrored in the care we take to make certain our communities continue to grow and prosper. This includes investing in communities where we operate and continuing to forge mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations in respect of their local and cultural interests.