Pivotal Solutions
Overview
We are seeking an experienced and visionary General Manager to lead operations at our brand-new, state-of-the-art, Comact turn-key sawmill specializing in Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) production. This is not a legacy operation; you will be responsible for building a world-class team, establishing high-performance processes, and driving a modern safety and production culture from the ground up. The General Manager will oversee all operational, safety, financial, and strategic outcomes, setting the tone for innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term growth. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a new SYP facility and leave a lasting legacy of operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Build and develop the mill team from scratch, including recruiting, hiring, training, and developing both hourly and salaried staff.
- Lead the safe and efficient startup of the new SYP facility, ensuring production ramps meet or exceed performance, quality, and safety targets.
- Establish and implement best-in-class systems and processes, designed for a modern, data-driven SYP operation.
- Create and execute a strategic 3–5-year business plan, focusing on long-term profitability, sustainable practices, and continuous improvement.
- Drive a strong safety and engagement culture, ensuring all employees and contractors work safely and meet regulatory and company requirements.
- Set clear performance expectations and hold the leadership team accountable for achieving operational, financial, and strategic goals.
- Manage the mill’s budget, production plans, and capital projects, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and alignment with corporate objectives.
- Serve as the key point of contact with internal stakeholders (corporate leaders, sales, technical teams) and external partners (community leaders, contractors, government agencies).
- Champion leadership development and employee engagement, creating a high-performing and resilient team ready to meet current and future business challenges.
- Ensure all new equipment, processes, and systems are fully optimized to deliver long-term returns on investment.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to adhere to operational routines, including preventative maintenance schedules, even when faced with shifting priorities or production pressures.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred).
- Minimum 10 years of experience in production operations
- Proven success in advancing through operational and leadership roles within the sawmill industry, ideally starting in production or maintenance and progressing to Plant Manager or equivalent.
- Proven success in startup or greenfield operations is highly preferred.
- Strong technical knowledge and operational experience with Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) manufacturing and sawmill processes.
- Demonstrated experience building teams, leading organizational change, and utilizing systems to make data-driven decisions
- Skilled in budgeting, strategic planning, and project management.
- Knowledge of maintenance systems, capital project implementation, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment requiring innovation and adaptability.