Swing Shift Sawmill Lead

Northwest Hardwoods•Dorchester, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Swing Shift Sawmill Lead is responsible for helping lead and coordinate sawmill operations on second shift. This role supports the safe, efficient, and productive operation of the sawmill during swing shift, including production flow, safety, quality, work assignments, communication, troubleshooting, and shift handoff. This position reports directly to the Sawmill Supervisor and serves as the primary on-shift lead when direct supervisor oversight is not present. The Swing Shift Sawmill Lead is expected to provide day-to-day direction, support, and accountability for employees assigned to the shift, while also performing hands-on production work as needed. This is an hourly, non-exempt lead position. The role is not responsible for hiring, termination, formal discipline, or final performance management decisions; however, it is expected to communicate concerns, reinforce expectations, and partner with the Sawmill Supervisor to support a safe, productive, and accountable work environment. This position is a strong opportunity for an experienced operator or developing leader who is ready to take on increased responsibility within sawmill operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred
3+ years of sawmill, wood products, or manufacturing experience preferred
Prior lead, relief lead, trainer, or informal leadership experience preferred
Strong understanding of sawmill production flow, safety, quality, and equipment operation
Ability to provide direction, coaching, and support to employees in a professional manner
Ability to communicate clearly with employees, supervisors, maintenance, and site leadership
Ability to identify production, safety, quality, and equipment concerns and respond appropriately
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions when direct supervisor oversight is not present
Strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to accountability
Ability to work hands-on in production positions as needed
Ability to work swing shift/second shift, overtime, weekends, and adjusted schedules as needed
Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform physical work in a manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily sawmill operations on swing shift in alignment with production goals and supervisor direction
Provide day-to-day direction, support, and follow-up for employees assigned to the shift
Help assign work, monitor production flow, and adjust priorities as needed to support efficient operations
Serve as the primary point of contact for sawmill employees during the shift when direct supervisor oversight is not present
Reinforce expectations related to safety, quality, productivity, attendance, communication, and teamwork
Communicate employee performance, attendance, safety, quality, or conduct concerns to the Sawmill Supervisor
Support a positive, professional, and accountable work environment
Support the safe and efficient operation of sawmill production equipment and processes
Monitor production flow and help identify issues that may impact throughput, quality, or uptime
Work in production positions as needed to support staffing needs, breaks, coverage, and production priorities
Assist employees with operational questions, equipment concerns, and production-related issues
Help ensure employees understand assigned tasks, work expectations, and production priorities
Support start-up, shutdown, cleanup, and shift transition activities
Help maintain consistent production performance during the shift
Lead by example in following all company safety policies, procedures, and work rules
Reinforce safe work practices and ensure employees are working in a safe and responsible manner
Identify and communicate unsafe conditions, behaviors, or equipment concerns promptly
Support completion of safety checks, housekeeping expectations, and corrective actions as needed
Monitor lumber quality and production standards throughout the shift
Identify quality concerns and take appropriate action to communicate or correct issues
Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
Identify production, equipment, and process issues that may impact safety, quality, or production flow
Communicate equipment problems, downtime, and repair needs to maintenance and site leadership as appropriate
Coordinate with maintenance employees regarding equipment issues, lockout/tagout needs, repair priorities, and operational impacts
Support troubleshooting efforts by providing clear information about equipment conditions, timing, and production concerns
Help restart and return equipment to operation after repairs or adjustments when appropriate
Escalate urgent issues to the Sawmill Supervisor or other appropriate leadership as needed
Maintain clear communication with employees, maintenance, and site leadership throughout the shift
Provide accurate updates regarding production status, staffing, equipment issues, safety concerns, quality issues, and other shift activity
Support effective handoff between shifts to ensure continuity of operations
Document or communicate key issues, follow-up items, and unresolved concerns as needed
Partner with the Sawmill Supervisor to ensure expectations are understood and consistently reinforced
Assist with training employees on sawmill processes, safe work practices, and job expectations
Provide coaching and guidance to employees in a professional and constructive manner
Support development of newer employees by helping them understand production flow, equipment operation, and quality expectations
Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, communication, and work processes
Participate in continuous improvement efforts and support implementation of operational changes
Demonstrate leadership maturity, dependability, and sound judgment in daily decision-making