Quality Control/Technical Supervisor

LaSalle Lumber Company•Olla, LA

About The Position

The Technical Manager / Quality Control Manager is responsible for all sawmill and planer mill optimization systems, quality process control, and quality assurance at LaSalle Lumber. This role owns both the hardware and software performance of log and board optimization systems and ensures manufacturing processes consistently produce lumber that meets grade, dimensional, and customer requirements. In addition, this position is responsible for plant‑level data management and statistical process control, converting operational data into actionable insights that improve efficiency, recovery, uptime, and profitability. The Technical Manager serves as the plant’s technical authority for optimization performance, quality outcomes, and data integrity, working closely with plant leadership and corporate data analysts to support informed decision‑making. This is a hands-on, technically accountable role, embedded in daily operations—not a desk‑only QC function. SAFETY Ensure department operates in a safe manner in accordance with work safe rules, regulations, and policies Promote safety awareness and trains staff to recognize and immediately report any unsafe acts, conditions or unsafe equipment within the facility to help eliminate safety hazards Ensure employees are trained in safe work practices and are compliant with regulations and policies Ensure all aspects of the mills established safety program are delivered to employees in a timely and effective manner Communicate with crew on topics of safety, continuous improvement opportunities, and direction of department

Requirements

Technical & Analytical Strong capability in data management and practical application of statistical process control
Technical aptitude with strong math and statistical reasoning skills
Deep understanding of manufacturing process variation and control
Strong troubleshooting, observation, and investigative skills in an industrial environment
Professional & Leadership High attention to detail with strong quality focus
Clear and effective communication skills (written and verbal)
Ability to collaborate across operations, maintenance, controls, sales, and corporate teams
Strong organization skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Self-motivated with the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced mill environment
Project management and process improvement capability
Ability to influence without authority and drive disciplined execution
3 - 5 Years experience as QC Supervisor or Lead Man
Knowledge of lumber manufacturing processes and equipment

Nice To Haves

Engineering (Mechanical/Industrial) or Business Degree Preferred

Responsibilities

Own and manage all sawmill log, cant, and board optimization systems
Manage planer mill board optimization
Act as the primary technical interface with Comact and third‑party vendors for troubleshooting, upgrades, tuning, and system performance issues.
Own and enforce plant quality standards for lumber grade, dimensions, and finish.
Maintain responsibility for quality performance across all shifts, including direct oversight of all shift quality technicians.
Establish and maintain QC inspection methods, audit processes, and documentation.
Lead investigations into Grade Loss, Quality Defects, Customer recommendations, Internal rejects or rework
Drive root cause analysis and ensure corrective actions are implemented, verified, and sustained.
Serve as a customer liaison when quality issues require direct technical engagement in support of sales and leadership.
Maintain accurate, reliable plant operational and quality data, ensuring proper historical recordkeeping.
Develop and management statistical process control (SPC) methods to monitor Dimensional variation, Process stability, Optimization performance
Translate raw production data into clear, decision-ready analysis for plant management.
Work in conjunction with corporate data analysts to support enterprise-level reporting, benchmarking, and strategic initiatives.
Ensure data integrity across optimization systems, QC reporting, and operational dashboards.
Assist plant management with data-driven improvement initiatives
Work with lumber sales to support product mix adjustments based on technical capability and market demand.
Investigate workflows, business procedures, and technical processes to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
Collect, analyze, and track key metrics related to processes owned by the technical function.
Participate in cross-functional teams to recommend process, equipment, or system enhancements that improve productivity and profitability.