Plant Operations Manager in Appleton

Energy Jobline is the largest and fastest growing global Energy Job Board and Energy Hub. We have an audience reach of over 7 million energy professionals, 400,000+ monthly advertised global energy and engineering jobs, and work with the leading energy companies worldwide.

We focus on the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Engineering, Power, and Nuclear markets as well as emerging technologies in EV, Battery, and Fusion. We are committed to ensuring that we offer the most exciting career opportunities from around the world for our jobseekers.

Job DescriptionJob Description

Summary:

• The Plant Operations Manager in a wood door manufacturing facility must possess a blend of technical expertise, leadership, business acumen, quality assurance, safety knowledge, and strong communication and problem-solving skills. These attributes enable the manager to overcome industry-specific challenges, such as optimizing wood material usage, ensuring door quality standards, and meeting customer specifications, thereby driving the success of the manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor production staff, including machine operators, assemblers, and finishers, setting performance standards for safety, quality, and output.

• Develop and manage production schedules for crafting solid wood, engineered wood, or composite doors to ensure on-time delivery to customers and optimal use of production capacity.

• Efficiently allocate labor, woodworking machinery (e.g., CNC routers, planers, edge banders), and materials to meet production schedules.

• Oversee inventory levels of raw materials (e.g., hardwood, plywood, veneers, adhesives) and finished doors to meet production demands while minimizing excess stock.

• Manage the production budget, including costs for labor, wood materials, finishes, and equipment maintenance.

• Monitor lumber moisture content and storage conditions to prevent warping or material degradation.

• Inspect finished doors for defects like veneer mismatches, finish imperfections, or structural issues.

• Optimize material usage to reduce waste from cutting or milling processes

• Address production issues, such as equipment malfunctions (e.g., saw or sander breakdowns) or material defects, to minimize disruptions in door production.

• Resolve issues like glue failures or dimensional inaccuracies in real-time.

• Ensure production activities comply with industry standards (e.g., AWI Quality Standards, WDMA specifications) and government regulations, including OSHA safety guidelines and environmental regulations for wood sourcing and waste disposal.

• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure doors meet internal standards and industry certifications (e.g., FSC for sustainable wood, fire-rating standards, or sound insulation requirements).

• Identify and implement enhancements in woodworking processes, such as improving cutting patterns or automating finishing tasks, to boost efficiency, reduce wood waste, and enhance productivity.

• Apply lean manufacturing principles tailored to wood door production to streamline workflows.

• Conduct evaluations and facilitate training on woodworking techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols.

• Ensure clear communication with Upstream about lead times and product customization options.

• Coordinate with Upstream teams to align production with custom door orders and architectural specifications.

Must Haves:

• Clear understanding of safety, quality, productivity, and inventory management processes specific to wood door manufacturing.

• Advanced understanding of wood door assembly processes, including operation of woodworking equipment (e.g., panel saws, CNC machines, finishing sprayers).

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage complex production schedules and material inventories.

• Knowledge of business and management principles, with an emphasis on cost control in material-intensive production.

• Active listening skills to understand feedback from staff or customers and apply it to resolve production or quality issues.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with vendors (e.g., lumber suppliers) and internal departments (e.g., design, sales).

• Familiarity with ERP systems and production planning software for tracking wood inventory and production progress.

Education and Experience:

• Proven experience leading teams in a manufacturing environment, ideally with wood-based or custom fabrication processes.

• Minimum of 4 years as a Plant Operations Manager or similar role in wood product manufacturing, preferably in door or millwork production.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Industrial Management, Wood Science, Engineering, or a related field .

• Proficient in lean manufacturing practices tailored to woodworking, such as just-in-time material delivery or waste reduction techniques.

• Experience developing, reviewing, and approving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for woodworking processes and equipment operation.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 60 pounds (e.g., handling wood panels or doors during inspections).

• Ability to stand for entire shifts in a production environment.

• Manual dexterity for operating or inspecting equipment and handling wood materials.

Company DescriptionDCA is a newly established wooden door manufacturer driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for creating high-quality, handcrafted doors. As a proud division of Architectural Builders Hardware Inc (ABH), DCA benefits from decades of industry expertise while forging its own path in premium door craftsmanship.

Our foundation is built on core values—Passionate, Dedicated, and Open to Change. We foster a team-oriented culture where every individual is empowered to contribute, grow, and take pride in their work. Collaboration, respect, and shared success define our workplace, ensuring that our team members feel valued and motivated every day.

We are deeply invested in professional development, offering specialized training, leadership programs, and mentorship opportunities. At DCA, growth isn’t just possible—it’s a priority.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite passionate individuals to join us in shaping the future of wooden door craftsmanship. With innovation at our core, the strength of ABH behind us, and limitless opportunities ahead, DCA is more than just a workplace—it’s a thriving community built on ambition, skill, and a shared vision for success.Company DescriptionDCA is a newly established wooden door manufacturer driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for creating high-quality, handcrafted doors. As a proud division of Architectural Builders Hardware Inc (ABH), DCA benefits from decades of industry expertise while forging its own path in premium door craftsmanship.\r\n\r\nOur foundation is built on core values—Passionate, Dedicated, and Open to Change. We foster a team-oriented culture where every individual is empowered to contribute, grow, and take pride in their work. Collaboration, respect, and shared success define our workplace, ensuring that our team members feel valued and motivated every day.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply invested in professional development, offering specialized training, leadership programs, and mentorship opportunities. At DCA, growth isn’t just possible—it’s a priority.\r\n\r\nAs we embark on this exciting journey, we invite passionate individuals to join us in shaping the future of wooden door craftsmanship. With innovation at our core, the strength of ABH behind us, and limitless opportunities ahead, DCA is more than just a workplace—it’s a thriving community built on ambition, skill, and a shared vision for success.

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.