Plant Manager (Lewiston)

Idaho Forest Group•Lewiston, ID

About The Position

The Plant Manager at Idaho Forest Group provides strategic, campus-wide leadership across all phases of plant operations, from the log yard through final shipping. The role develops and empowers high-performing teams while promoting safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Plant Manager ensures production goals are achieved efficiently and consistently in accordance with IFG policies, procedures, and standards of excellence. The position oversees daily operations across the Planer, Sawmill, Log Yard, Boiler/Kilns, Maintenance, and Shipping; partners with departments across the business; leads production analysis and improvement projects; and is accountable for site-level profit and loss, inventory accuracy, and reporting metrics. The role requires flexibility to work various shifts, days, and weekends, and to tolerate outdoor weather, loud conditions, and airborne particles such as sawdust.

Requirements

At least 5 years of leadership experience, preferably in a manufacturing production facility.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and similar software used for production analysis and projections.
Ability to inspire and motivate others toward a common goal.
Ability to work various shifts, days, and weekends.
Ability to pass a hair follicle drug test, post-offer pre-employment physical, and background check.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle history for business travel in a company vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in an engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering, from an accredited college or university.
At least 3 years of experience partnering with Sales/Marketing to achieve optimal margin.
Working knowledge of WWPA grading rules and standards.
Working knowledge of a preventative and proactive maintenance management system.
Lean Manufacturing experience.
Previous experience in a Planer mill and/or Sawmill.
Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and compliance.
Knowledge of boiler/kiln operations and the drying process.
A combination of relevant experience and education may be considered.

Responsibilities

Manage safety policies and procedures and cultivate a culture of continuous safety improvement.
Oversee daily and shift operations across the Planer, Sawmill, Log Yard, Boiler/Kilns, Maintenance, and Shipping.
Partner with Sales/Marketing, Log Procurement, Purchasing, HR, Finance, Engineering, and other management to support efficient business operations.
Foster proactive leadership and teamwork that strengthen IFG culture and standards.
Collaborate with HR and management on operational and people-related matters.
Train, coach, evaluate, and counsel team members.
Communicate effectively and in a timely manner.
Develop, communicate, and implement optimal production goals.
Promote preventative and proactive maintenance throughout the site.
Lead regular production analysis and root-cause work for continuous improvement, including analysis of production metrics, recovery, optimization, uptime, and downtime.
Work with Sales and Shipping to track product tallies and sales needs.
Ensure the entire campus is consistently clean.
Manage and oversee improvement projects.
Evaluate and calculate return-on-investment opportunities for capital improvements.
Partner with Finance and other management to create and adhere to fiscal budgets.
Own site-level profit and loss, including inventory accuracy and reporting metrics.
Perform other duties as assigned.