Lead Mill Right

Haywood Forest Products; LaFayette (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Haywood Forest Products in Lafayette, AL seeks a Lead Millwright to oversee mechanical operations and maintenance of a hardwood sawmill. You will supervise maintenance staff, troubleshoot equipment, and drive efficiency and safety across all milling processes.

The role requires strong hands-on leadership, reading blueprints, welding repairs, and experience with hydraulic/pneumatic systems; PLC knowledge is a plus. Competitive benefits and potential bonuses.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a hardwood sawmill environment with strong mechanical expertise.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a millwright or maintenance role.
• Ability to maintain and repair pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.
• Proficiency reading blueprints, mechanical drawings, and manuals.
• Welding and repair of bearings, chains, and sprockets.
• Strong troubleshooting across hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Experience with PLCs and automation is a plus.
• Able to work flexible hours including weekends or emergencies.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation, maintenance, and repair of all sawmill equipment.
• Lead and mentor a team of millwrights and maintenance staff.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance per schedules.
• Collaborate with management to ensure consistent mill performance and efficiency.
• Maintain records of maintenance, parts usage, and equipment status.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate with vendors for parts, repairs, and projects.
• Participate in capital projects and equipment upgrades.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in mill processes.

Skills

Leadership / supervision

Sawmill maintenance

Pneumatic / hydraulic systems

Blueprints / drawings

Welding / bearings & chains

Electrical troubleshooting

PLCs & automation (plus)

Flexibility (weekends)

Organizational / communication

Safety & hazard prevention

Tools

PLC programming

Job description

Job Title: Lead Millwright – Hardwood Sawmill

Location: Lafayette, Alabama

Reports To: Sawmill Manager / Plant Manager

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead Millwright to oversee the mechanical operations and maintenance of our hardwood sawmill. This role involves hands-on leadership in maintaining and troubleshooting all sawmill equipment, with a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and productivity. The ideal candidate has a proven background in sawmill or millwright operations and will be responsible for supervising maintenance staff, minimizing downtime, and ensuring the optimal performance of all machinery and systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of all sawmill equipment including head rigs, edgers, conveyors, debarkers, trimmers and any wood flow machinery.
• Lead and mentor a team of millwrights and maintenance personnel.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues and implement timely solutions to minimize production downtime.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance according to schedules.
• Collaborate with the sawmill manager and production team to ensure consistent mill performance and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, parts usage, and equipment status.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for parts, repairs, and special projects.
• Participate in capital improvement projects and machinery upgrades as needed.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in mill processes and equipment performance.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in a hardwood sawmill environment with strong mechanical and technical expertise.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a millwright or maintenance role.
• Ability to maintain and implement pneumatic and hydraulic equipment
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, mechanical drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Proficient in welding and repair of bearings, chains, and sprockets.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Experience with PLCs and automation systems is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some weekends or emergency call-ins as needed.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and a proactive approach to hazard prevention.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a physically demanding industrial environment (heat, noise, dust).
• Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and perform tasks that require climbing, kneeling, and standing for extended periods.

Compensation:

• Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience, plus benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and potential performance bonuses.