OPERATIONS MANAGER

Biewer Lumber; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Biewer Lumber is seeking a Plant Supervisor to lead the site’s supervisors and staff under the general manager. You will oversee safety, process adherence, material handling, inventory, quality, and shipping standards to meet daily targets.

Ideal candidates bring 3–5 years in manufacturing, strong leadership, and hands-on experience with Lean/5S, PIT operations, and MS Office. This role is rooted in a safety-first culture with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent supervisory/management experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Lean manufacturing/5S experience a plus.
• Material handling and powered industrial truck experience helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead site supervisors and staff reporting to the general manager.
• Oversee safety, processes, policies, and quality on a daily basis.
• Drive continuous improvement and streamline material handling.
• Plan production and scheduling to maximize equipment use and efficiency.
• Create and maintain reports, budgets, and regulatory tracking.
• Foster accountability and professional development within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

3–5 years experience in industry/manufacturing

Tools

Lean/5S

PIT experience

Job description

At Biewer Lumber, we take pride in producing high-quality fire retardant treated wood and micronized copper azole treated wood products that help build stronger, safer structures across the lumber industry. Our team is driven by safety, trust, quality, and hard work, creating a fast-paced manufacturing environment where employees can grow their skills and make a meaningful impact. Join a company with a strong reputation in the wood products industry and become part of a team committed to excellence from production to delivery.

Summary

Provide leadership and direct activities of the site’s supervisors and staff reporting directly to the general manager. Participate in the overall operations of the plant by ensuring safety, process, procedures, policies, material handling, inventory, finished product/quality, and shipping standards are being met on a day-to-day basis.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist in promoting a continuous improvement culture through communication and coaching employees as well as finding opportunities for streamlining material handling and enhancing value-added processes.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and training by leading manufacturing principles and events with supervision.
• Strengthen, develop, and motivate supervision and staff by managing responsibilities and ensuring accountability. Continually sharpen the professional skills of team members.
• Manage the safety and health factors in all processes. Ensures safe work practices, follows safety procedures, and completes required safety forms, checklists and permits.
• Manage scheduling and timing of material handling. Plan for current and future production or material flows to maximize equipment use and efficiency.
• Create and maintain operational spreadsheets, reports, budgetary items, including but not limited to inventory, training, and regulatory tracking.
• Implement plans and checks on progress with continuous follow up. Organize departmental meetings, training, and continuous improvement efforts/plans.
• Provide ideas, innovation and suggestions for continuous improvement and opportunities.
• Ensure product quality standards and packaging specifications are being met.

Basic Qualifications

• Superior interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively motivate and lead teams.
• Excellent organizational, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Computer proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Docs and internal systems.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive material in a highly professional manner.

Education, Experience, And Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent supervisory/management experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment.

Previous Wood Products Manufacturing Management Experience Preferred

• Lean manufacturing/5S experience a plus.
• Material handling and powered industrial truck experience helpful.

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery and mechanical equipment.
• Exposure to bark, sawdust, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures (hot, cold, humid).
• Due to exposure to noise above the permissible exposure limit (PEL), falling hazards, and sawdust, employees must wear hearing protection, a hard hat, safety glasses, and safety footwear, and a high-visibility shirt/vest.
• This safety-sensitive position requires employees to comply with all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and required drug and alcohol testing procedures.
• Combined office and industrial/manufacturing work setting.

Physical Demands

• Stand or walk for extended periods (8-12-hour workdays).
• Climb and descend steps, stairways, or ladders several times per shift.
• Lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. occasionally.