Planer Manager

Planer Manager Job Description

Position Title:  Planer Manager

Reports To:  General Manager, MBLC Division

Position Summary

The Planer Manager is responsible for overseeing all planer mill operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. This role manages production scheduling, quality control, maintenance coordination, staffing, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring products meet customer specifications and operational targets.

The Planer Manager provides leadership to supervisors and production teams, drives operational performance, and ensures compliance with all safety, environmental, and company standards.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Direct and coordinate all daily planer mill operations to meet production goals and customer requirements.
• Monitor workflow, production rates, downtime, and recovery to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining quality standards and minimizing waste.
• Coordinate with sawmill, shipping, maintenance, and inventory departments to ensure smooth operational flow.
• Analyze production data and implement improvements to optimize productivity and equipment utilization.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and supervise supervisors, operators, and support staff within the planer department.
• Develop staffing plans, schedules, and training programs to maintain operational effectiveness.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development initiatives.
• Promote a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all occupational health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company operating standards.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture throughout the operation.

Quality Control

• Ensure finished products meet customer specifications and quality requirements.
• Work closely with quality assurance teams to resolve defects or production issues.
• Monitor grading, moisture content, sizing accuracy, and finishing standards.
• Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement strategies.

Maintenance Coordination

• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Participate in preventive maintenance planning and capital improvement projects.
• Identify equipment issues and support troubleshooting efforts.

Budgeting & Performance Management

• Assist in preparing and managing departmental budgets.
• Monitor operational costs, labor efficiency, and production KPIs.
• Prepare reports on production performance, safety, quality, and maintenance metrics.
• Recommend operational improvements and capital investments.

Qualifications

• Postsecondary education in forestry, wood products manufacturing, operations management, engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in planer mill or industrial manufacturing operations.
• Minimum 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of planer mill equipment, lumber grading, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with production management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance systems.
• Understanding of inventory management and production planning.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

Working Conditions

• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, machinery, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends or extended shifts as operational demands require.
• Frequent walking, standing, and interaction with production equipment and personnel.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health and dental benefits.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

How to Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter to hr@haliburtonforest.com or rhutchins@haliburtonforest.com.