Operations Manager at American Wood Fibers, Inc – Marion, Virginia
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About This Position
American Wood Fibers (AWF) is a manufacturer of both consumer and industrial products that are sold to multiple manufacturers as well as pet, agricultural, and home-heating markets. AWF is comprised of 450+ employees and holds operations at 11 locations, generating over $100M in annual sales revenue. We are currently seeking a candidate for the Operations Manager role in our Marion, VA facility.
JOB SUMMARY
Manages plant operations, focusing on safety, quality, and efficiency. Primary duties to include, but not limited to the following:
- SAFETY:
- Lead the plant safety committee and promote safe working habits daily.
- Ensure the safety, cleanliness, and housekeeping standards of the plant, with a focus on meeting OSHA requirements.
- Conduct or assist with regular safety meetings, held monthly or as needed.
- OPERATIONS & TRANSPORTATION:
- Oversee planning, direction, and supervision of plant activities, including production, maintenance, and special projects, ensuring efficient and safe operations within budget constraints.
- Balance production and sales based on plant capabilities and raw material flow.
- Manage manufacturing costs, inventory levels, repairs, and the effective use of labor, equipment, and facilities.
- Support transportation operations as needed and provide coverage for the Transportation Manager during absences.
- Assist with ensuring timely dispatch of deliveries and raw material pick-ups when supporting transportation functions.
- Collaborate with Sales and Transportation to help optimize freight rates, scheduling, and inventory management.
- Coordinate operational programs, including manufacturing methods, cost reduction initiatives, preventive maintenance, training, and safety.
- QUALITY:
- Ensure all quality assurance measures are followed and clearly communicated to production staff, office personnel, and customers.
- Assist in designing and implementing new procedures as required.
- PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS:
- Conduct and present performance evaluations for plant personnel, with recommendations for promotions or transfers.
- Verify time card accuracy for payroll processing.
- Monitor attendance and ensure compliance with company policies, rules, and regulations.
- Recommend and implement disciplinary actions when necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and maintenance principles and applications.
- Basic knowledge of LEAN principles and philosophy.
- Experience with budgeting and expense management, with a foundational understanding of financial and accounting practices.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data analysis and trend reporting.
- Experience with safety systems and enforcement of safety policies.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop employee skills.
- Excellent planning, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to balance production and maintenance priorities.
- Highly motivated, results-oriented, driven and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to travel occasionally (less than 10%).
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant management experience.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Walking/Standing: Frequent walking and standing to oversee plant operations, safety compliance, and quality checks.
- Climbing: Occasional need to climb stairs or ladders for plant inspections.
- Manual Dexterity: Handling tools or equipment for inspections and quality checks.
- Heavy Lifting: Occasional lifting or overseeing material handling during inventory or transportation tasks.
- Outdoor Exposure: Possible exposure to varying weather conditions, especially during transportation oversight or outdoor inspections.
- PPE Requirements: Must wear personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses, hard hat, gloves, safety toe shoes) when in the plant or operational areas.
- Endurance: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for 8+ hour shifts.
BENEFITS
- 401(K)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
SCHEDULE
- Day Shift
- 8-hour shifts
WORK SETTING
- In-person
- Outdoor work
- Warehouse
For consideration…
Due to the safety sensitive nature of wood manufacturing, the successful candidate must be able to work in a 100% smoke/tobacco/vaping free environment (non-smoker in States where legally permissible). We offer a competitive package to include health, dental, vision and life insurance, plus profit bonus, paid time off and matching 401(k). For more company information, please visit our web site www.awf.com. An EEO employer.
Corporate Office
9740 Patuxent Woods Drive, Ste. 500
Columbia, MD 21046
800-624-9663 / 410-290-8700
Fax 410-290-6660
Other Locations
Jessup, MD / Schofield, WI / Pella, IA / Lebanon, KY / Clarks, NE / Marysville, CA / Marshall, TX / Circleville, OH / Marion, VA / Jamestown, CA / Laurinburg, NC
Visit us at: www.awf.com