Our client is seeking a skilled Plant Manager to join their team in British Columbia, Canada, with experience working in forestry manufacturing.

The Plant Manager (PM) will operate a unionized mill of < 150 staff, including overseeing the infrastructure, teams, processes and programs. The PM will work closely with staff, service departments, senior leadership, sales, and key external stakeholders. Additional key responsibilities will include developing short and long-term goals for the site, hiring, training, and developing staff, and overseeing equipment repairs, purchasing machinery and materials.

This role requires relocation; moving assistance will be provided for the selected individual. Remote, hybrid, or camp shift work is not an option.

The Role

Safety

• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to the safety, health and wellbeing of themselves and others.
• Work with staff to recognize and eliminate safety hazards.
• Ensure staff are trained in safe work practices and are compliant with regulations and policies.
• Ensure that all aspects of the safety program are delivered to staff in a timely and effective manner.
• Work with government representatives and regulators regarding compliance to regulation.
• Accountable for overall site safety performance.

People Leadership

• Champion staff engagement by developing and empowering teams and individuals.
• Build trusting relationships by being genuine, understanding and approachable.
• Develop staff through effective coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Provide specific and meaningful recognition so that people feel appreciated.

Operational

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of staff and ensure they have the tools, resources and training required to do their job to the highest standard.
• Work with Managers and service providers to ensure staff issues and concerns are heard and dealt with in a timely manner.
• Ensure that leadership development and succession planning processes are in place and programs and resources utilized to improve internal bench-strength.
• Build and develop diverse teams and an inclusive culture.

Financial

• Develop and deliver the site budget.
• Ensure overall margin is maximized vs. individual KPIs.
• Participate in the sector budgeting process, annual production plan, and major equipment expenditures planning process.
• Ensure all purchase approval processes are in place and followed. Ensure all staff know and understand their applicable DOA and how to use it.
• Facilitate and support a culture that explores innovative ideas to further the strategic plan.
• Identify areas of potential improvement, instituting and/or recommending changes.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness regarding new products, practices, techniques and equipment in the industry.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant leadership experience.
• Technical experience manufacturing wood products.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Proven team leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing change.
• Strong planning, goal-setting and project management skills.
• Strong safety mindset and ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.