Trainee - Manufacturing Leadership

Stimson Lumber Company; Forest Grove (OR); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Opportunities for bonuses and profit sharing

Travel paid by the company

Job summary

Stimson Lumber Company is seeking a Manufacturing Leadership Trainee at the Forest Grove Mill, Oregon. This full-time position offers a starting salary of $70,000 - $100,000 per year plus bonuses. The trainee will gain hands-on experience across various departments and mill locations while driving operational improvements.

The ideal candidate should be adaptable, possess mechanical and electrical skills, and have a strong problem-solving mindset. Frequent travel is required as part of the training program, making it an exciting opportunity for growth.

Qualifications

• Good at analyzing problems and coming up with logical solutions.
• Must have basic mechanical and electrical skills.
• Strong communication skills to work well with diverse teams.
• Flexible with work schedule and tasks.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with management to understand expectations and opportunities.
• Assist departments on-site to suggest improvements.
• Take hands-on approach to tackle operational issues.
• Lead ongoing improvement projects across mills.
• Explore new practices to boost production and safety.

Skills

Problem-solving

Mechanical skills

Electrical skills

Strong communication

Basic computer skills

Tools

Maintenance experience

Job description

Manufacturing Leadership Trainee

Job Location: Forest Grove Mill and Resource Office - Gaston, OR 97119

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00

Shift: Any

Job Title: Manufacturing Leadership Trainee

Do you love to tinker? Do you like to try to fix something before you just replace it with a new gadget? Do you like to put big engines in small cars? This may be the job for you! Stimson Lumber is a leading lumber manufacturer dedicated to producing high-quality lumber while fostering innovation and efficiency in all aspects of our operations. We are currently seeking a bright individual to join our Leadership Training program. In this position, the incumbent will be developed in all aspects of our manufacturing organization across several mill locations while being a pivotal support system for both the Director of Manufacturing and the Director of Engineering. Learn the business while driving process improvements and operational excellence across our manufacturing landscape. This position is designed to develop the incumbent for a future role in manufacturing management.

Position Summary

This leadership trainee position will serve as a dynamic support force, tasked with enhancing operational efficiencies and solving complex problems while learning the lumber manufacturing business. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of logical problem-solving capabilities and mechanical and electrical skills enabling them to effectively collaborate across departments to achieve shared objectives. This individual will be engaged in all facets of Manufacturing at Stimson Lumber and in time will become an expert in all departments.

This role requires frequent travel to all Northwest Mill locations, in Oregon and Idaho, for both personal development and to ensure the successful implementation of operational improvements, project management, and team collaboration. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with a work schedule that changes week to week, including weekends, off-shifts, and regular travel with overnight stays that could last days, weeks or even months on assignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director of Manufacturing and Director of Engineering to understand what’s expected and what opportunities are available.
• Travel to all Stimson mills as part of your development. The purpose of these trips will be to assist all departments, suggest improvements, and help the manufacturing team reach higher goals.
• Get hands‑on with spotting and tackling operational issues. Come up with practical solutions that boost productivity, efficiency, and safety.
• Lead ongoing improvement efforts. Look for opportunities to streamline processes, increase recovery, and reduce waste.
• Lead projects in various departments and mills, ensuring everything meets Stimson’s standards while staying safe and on schedule.
• Increase production by leveraging the full potential of equipment, exploring beyond conventional limits.
• Stimson Lumber is looking for a candidate who is willing to challenge the normal practices and push beyond expectations/limitations.
• Must be willing to take reasonable risks in order to improve processes, including challenging OEM recommendations and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Good at analyzing problems and coming up with logical solutions.
• Must have basic mechanical and electrical skills and some understanding of how things work.
• Maintenance experience is a plus (Mechanic, Millwright, Electrician, etc.).
• Strong communication skills to work well with both technical and non‑technical folks.
• Ability to prioritize and get things done in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Must be flexible with your schedule.
• We don’t care if you have little or no professional experience, or if you are applying right out of school, if you have the right stuff all you have to do is convince us.

Why Join Us?

At Stimson Lumber you’ll be part of a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

This Manager Trainee position starts out between $70,000-$100,000 per year, plus opportunities for bonuses and profit sharing. We offer comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development. Travel is paid by Stimson Lumber.

Be part of a team that values your flexibility and willingness to travel as a key component of our success. Enjoy the opportunity to work in diverse environments and contribute directly to the operational excellence across all our locations.