Walk-in || Plant Manager

The Plant Manager will oversee all daily operations of our biomass pellet manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for directing feedstock sourcing integration, production workflows, equipment maintenance, quality assurance, safety compliance, and team leadership. The ideal candidate brings extensive operational experience in biomass processing, thermal drying, and pelletization technologies, with a strong focus on optimizing throughput, reducing downtime, and maintaining product specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Production Management
  
• Direct daily manufacturing activities to achieve production targets, uptime goals, and pellet quality standards (e.g., density, moisture content, durability).
• Monitor and optimize core operational processes: feedstock receiving, size reduction (hammer mills/chippers), drying systems, pellet mills, cooling, screening, and bulk packaging/loading.
• Implement Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) strategies to maximize throughput and yield.
• Maintenance & Reliability
  
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs for high-wear machinery (dies, rollers, dryers, conveyors, and dust collection systems).
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process bottlenecks to minimize unplanned downtime.
• Manage spare parts inventory, vendor service contracts, and equipment upgrades.
• EHS & Regulatory Compliance
  
• Enforce strict Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) protocols, specifically targeting combustible dust management (NFPA standards), fire prevention, and air/water permit compliance.
• Conduct safety audits, incident investigations, and continuous safety training for plant personnel.
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal environmental regulations and biomass certifications (e.g., SBP, FSC, ENplus, where applicable).
• Financial & Supply Chain Oversight
  
• Manage plant operating budgets, P&L targets, capital expenditures (CapEx), and cost-per-ton production metrics.
• Coordinate with feedstock procurement teams to manage biomass inventory (wood chips, sawdust, agricultural residues) and ensure proper moisture control upon arrival.
• Collaborate with logistics and supply chain teams for efficient outbound transportation (rail, truck, or vessel loading).
• Leadership & People Development
  
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate supervisors, operators, technicians, and administrative staff.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, cross-training, and continuous learning.
• Manage staffing levels, shift schedules, and labor utilization.