Quality Control Manager- Allendale, SC

Hampton Lumber • Fairfax, SC

4h • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Control Manager will be responsible for establishing and leading all quality systems for Hampton Lumber’s new, state-of-the-art sawmill. This role will develop the plant’s quality standards, inspection procedures, and training programs to ensure all lumber produced meets customer expectations, grading agency requirements, and company performance targets. The QC Manager will play a critical role in mill startup, certification, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Wood Science, Forestry, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• Minimum 5 years of lumber quality experience with at least 2 in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Certified Lumber Grader (SPIB or equivalent) required or ability to obtain certification.
• Proven ability to establish systems, train teams, and drive improvement.
• Strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and/or data analysis tools.

Nice To Haves

• Experience participating in or leading a sawmill startup highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the mill’s quality control program from the ground up, including inspection points, documentation, and data tracking systems.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for grading, size control, moisture measurement, finished product and package appearance.
• Work with operations and engineering teams during commissioning to calibrate equipment and validate product specifications.
• Establish relationships and certification processes with the appropriate grading agency.
• Train and participate Supervision and mill personnel.
• Provide hands-on training for production operators to understand quality requirements and their role in meeting them.
• Build a mill-wide quality culture through communication, visual management, and accountability.
• Conduct product inspections, monitor recovery and performance, and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Use statistical data and feedback loops to improve product consistency, recovery, and value yield.
• Work closely with kiln and planermill personnel to optimize drying and finishing for target moisture, size, and appearance.
• Lead root cause analyses on defects, off-grade product, or customer complaints, and ensure corrective/preventive measures are sustained.
• Participate in startup readiness reviews and ramp-up planning with corporate and onsite leadership.
• Provide input on equipment calibration, optimization parameters, and process control standards.
• Support startup trials, certification runs, and customer qualification shipments.
• Maintain documentation to meet agency and customer audit requirements.
• Track quality KPIs (grade outturn, moisture compliance, trim loss, recovery) and present reports to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with grading rules, safety standards, and company policies.

Benefits

• Substantial company-paid assistance for Medical and Dental insurance premiums; mental health coverage; cost effective co-pays and deductibles
• 401(k) with 5% annual company contribution and generous company matching contributions vested over three years
• Paid time off, including eight paid holidays
• Participation in the employee bonus program
• Employee wellness program that includes free counseling sessions, financial and legal guidance, and more
• Opportunities for paid training to support career advancement and personal development

What This Job Offers

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