Plant Manager

Big River Forest Products is the premier family-operated lumber company in the Southern United States. We are committed to providing our customers and employees with the best that we can be each and every day.

With an annual capacity of over 600 MMBF, these facilities produce a wide range of products, including decking, dimensional lumber, and timbers.

Family-owned and operated, Big River is dedicated to its team of employees who are passionate about delivering unmatched, high-quality products from best-in-class manufacturing facilities.

About the Role:

The Plant Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations at our Vicksburg facility, ensuring efficient production processes and high-quality output. This role requires strategic leadership to optimize plant performance, implement lean manufacturing principles, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The Plant Manager will coordinate cross-functional teams to meet production targets while maintaining strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. A key focus will be on cost reduction and resource management to enhance profitability without compromising product quality. Ultimately, the Plant Manager will serve as the primary leader ensuring that the plant operates smoothly, meets customer demands, and supports the company’s long-term growth objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing operations with at least 3 years in a leadership or plant management role.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing principles and process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding and assembly plant operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or Engineering.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies and automation.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Previous experience managing a multi-shift manufacturing facility.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and manufacturing operations management software.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage daily manufacturing operations, including injection molding and assembly processes, to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing strategies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize workflow throughout the plant.
• Oversee process engineering initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage plant personnel, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with supply chain, quality assurance, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless operations and timely delivery of products.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production, cost, quality, and safety, and report findings to senior management.
• Drive cost reduction programs by identifying opportunities for operational improvements and resource optimization.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations and company policies.

Skills:

The Plant Manager will utilize manufacturing operations expertise daily to oversee and optimize production workflows, ensuring that all processes from injection molding to assembly run efficiently. Lean manufacturing skills will be applied to identify waste, streamline operations, and implement continuous improvement projects that enhance productivity and reduce costs. Strong plant management capabilities are essential for leading diverse teams, managing resources, and maintaining a safe work environment. Process engineering knowledge will be critical in troubleshooting production issues and refining manufacturing methods to improve quality and throughput. Additionally, cost reduction skills will be employed to analyze operational expenses and implement strategies that maximize profitability while maintaining high standards.