Performance Optimization Specialist

Hood Lumber • Waynesboro, MS

23d • Onsite

About The Position

Hood Industries, Inc is seeking a Performance Optimization Specialist to join our lumber manufacturing facility in Waynesboro, Mississippi during a period of expansion that includes construction of a new, state-of-the-art sawmill while continuing to operate our existing facility.
This role 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 principals 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, dental, vision, cancer, life, 401k, 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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees