Performance Optimization Specialist

Hood Plywood • Beaumont, MS

2d • $80,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Hood Industries, Inc is seeking a Performance Optimization Specialist to join our plywood manufacturing facility in Beaumont, Mississippi. This position provides hands-on, tactical support to drive plant performance and achieve operational goals. The ideal candidate is a continuous improvement champion who thrives in a manufacturing environment and collaborates across departments to improve safety, efficiency, quality, and overall business performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s level education in business, engineering, or a related area; or equivalent job experience, and
• One year or equivalent experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in the wood products manufacturing industry.
• Proficiency in project tools (Microsoft Project Manager, Excel, Smartsheet).
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and quality management.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and levels.
• Data-driven and analytical approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Team-oriented with a strong commitment to personal and professional development.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to develop, communicate, and support improvement strategies and initiatives.
• Demonstrated focus on process optimization, performance improvement, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop an expert-level understanding of “The Hood Way” and partner with plant personnel to ensure manufacturing operations align with the Hood Management Philosophy of People, Process, and Performance.
• Model and promote a strong culture by ensuring all activities are planned and executed to meet and sustain established safety objectives and requirements.
• Works closely with the Plant Manager and the Performance Optimization Manager of Manufacturing to develop, refine, and implement strategies for process and business improvement across operational units.
• Collaborates with team members at all levels of the site and utilizes performance management systems while applying key Lean leadership principles, including Go See, Ask Why, and Always Show Respect.
• Utilize the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to solve problems and drive sustainable improvements.
• Use science, engineering, and mathematical methodologies to analyze manufacturing processes and develop solutions to technical challenges and opportunities.
• Develop department-level, plant-specific Pareto analyses to identify, prioritize, and quantify high-impact improvement opportunities, including defining focus areas, expected value, and success metrics.
• Collaborate with Finance, People Operations, Safety, Procurement, Sales and Marketing, and other key stakeholders to review current processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Analyze operational efficiency data and share insights with plant leadership, the Performance Optimization Manager, and key stakeholders to improve operating effectiveness and capture improvement opportunities.
• Assist with projects that improve key performance areas such as safety, production, quality, cost, recovery, and employee engagement through capital planning and deployment.
• Collaborate with equipment manufacturers and the Optimization Manager to ensure proper equipment is properly configured and operating as intended.

Benefits

• Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, 401(k), cancer, flexible spending accounts, life, and LTD, available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level