Director Of Operations

Company Background:
Alta Forest Products, in partnership with Itochu Building 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 fence board sawmills in four other rural communities: Morton, WA; Shelton, WA; Amanda Park, WA; and Naples, ID; and two reload facilities located in Eastport, ID; and Winlock, WA.
The Role:
The Director of Manufacturing Process Improvements and Operations ("MPI&O") for our mill and reload facilities will oversee the company's daily manufacturing operations and ensure that all such activities are executed efficiently and effectively. They will be empowered with an appropriate level of authority to act as a liaison between corporate leadership and the mills to give strategic direction to drive manufacturing process improvements to provide support for developing and implementing the mill action plans, including conducting periodic reviews, sharing feedback, and to support the mill CAPEX planning and prioritization. They will also manage the organization's resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, and implement strategies to improve performance and productivity. Additionally, they will collaborate with other leadership team members to identify opportunities for growth and development and ensure that the sawmills meet all regulatory requirements and industry standards. The ideal candidate will be a skilled leader with extensive experience in the industry, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, and a proven track record of success in managing people and complex operations.
Responsibilities:

• Establishes quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines, and standards by which the company's manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated; identifies opportunities for process improvement.
• Participates in the CBT meetings and oversees the implementation of the mill action plans.
• Share manufacturing and operational best practices across all mills.
• Participates in the hiring and training of mill managers.
• Helps organize and oversee the work and schedules of mill managers.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Participates in the planning of developing and implementing policies and procedures that will improve day-to-day operations at the mills.
• Communicates and explains new directives, policies, or procedures to mill managers; for major changes, meets with entire operations staff to explain changes, answer questions, and maintain morale.
• Participates in meetings with operations, engineering, technology, and planning teams to produce smoother workflow and more cost-effective business processes.
• Projects a positive image of the organization to employees, customers, industry, and community.
• Develops and implements mill inspection policies and procedures and a schedule of routine inspections.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, business, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in sawmill operations management
• Demonstrated ability to manage personnel, equipment, and materials in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with other leadership team members.
• Proven ability to implement strategies that improve performance and productivity
• Thorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in business and finance.
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs and priorities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Work Environment
This role will operate in a professional office, log yards, sawmills, and various other outdoor environments. While performing the duties of this job, employees may regularly be exposed to machinery and moving mechanical parts. This position will often be exposed to noise, hazards, airborne particulates, and temperature changes in both indoor and outdoor weather conditions.
Position Type/Travel
This is a full-time position; overtime work may be required as projects or job duties demand. Ability to travel is required, as well as frequent travel to mill and reload sites, company HQs, and industrial and trade events as necessary.
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform this job's essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile.
• This position will have prolonged periods of sitting, typing, and speaking.
• This position requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping for undetermined lengths of time.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.

Position Type/Travel/Schedule
This position is an exempt position per FLSA guidelines and not eligible for overtime. A typical schedule requires the ability to work 40 hours a week and have the flexibility to work evenings or weekends to accommodate critical goals and objectives that may be necessary. Must be self-disciplined and able to work independently in a remote office setting.
Benefits & Pay

• Starting Pay: $145,000 - $175,000 (starting wage dependent on qualifications and experience)
• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee and Family Life Insurance
• Paid time off that includes Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Leave
• Employee Referral Program
• Retirement Savings Plan w/ immediate vesting and company match
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Insurance Options, Additional Life, Pet, Illness, and Accident Insurance.

Alta Forest Products is an equal-opportunity employer. It considers all applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, disability, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Small company, big opportunity! Growing & investing in employees and mills, Alta aims to be an industry leader in product quality and employee experience.