SAWMILL MANAGER

Farm Manager SA; Vryheid; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA is seeking an experienced Production Manager for our sawmill and treatment operations in KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee daily production targets, manage log intake, sawing schedules, and product mix across timber lines, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

The role leads a 15-person team, focusing on cost control, safety, maintenance, and on-time delivery, while developing staff and upholding environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Agricultural background required; diploma/degree advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in related fields.
• Experience in timber, nursery or sawmill is preferred.
• Hands-on leadership with staff motivation and safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily sawmill production and meet targets (400 to 1000 m³/month).
• Manage log intake, sawing schedules and product mix across lines.
• Coordinate CCA gum pole treatment and maintain quality standards.
• Lead production team of 15, including scheduling, performance & training.
• Monitor costs, yields, wastage; ensure health and safety compliance.
• Maintain equipment maintenance schedules to minimise downtime.
• Ensure environmental, safety and industry regulations are followed.
• Track stock levels, production output and dispatch against orders.

Skills

Agricultural background

Staff motivation

Leadership

Maintenance orientation

Communication skills

Education

Agricultural Diploma/Degree advantageous

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Agricultural Diploma/Degree advantageous
• Agricultural background essential
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience
• Previous timber, nursery or sawmill experience
• Must have a positive attitude, integrity, and excellent communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to manage, communicate, work with and motivate staff essential
• Maintenance orientated
• Valid driver’s license

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Oversee daily sawmill production, ensuring targets are met and progressively scaled from 400 m³/month towards the 1,000 m³/month growth target
• Manage log intake, sawing schedules, and product mix across structural timber and pallet material lines
• Oversee the CCA gum pole treatment process, ensuring correct treatment cycles, quality standards, and compliance with relevant regulations (e.g. SANS standards)
• Manage and lead the production team (currently 15 staff), including labour scheduling, performance, and training as the team grows
• Monitor and control production costs, yield/recovery rates, and wastage
• Ensure health and safety standards are maintained across the sawmill and treatment plant
• Maintain and enforce quality control standards for sawn timber and treated poles
• Coordinate with procurement on log supply and materials to keep production running to plan
• Track stock levels, production output, and dispatch against sales orders
• Report regularly to management on production performance, costs, and any operational issues
• Maintain and enforce equipment maintenance schedules to minimise downtime
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental, safety, and industry regulations

ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted