Job Description

Area Operations Manager

The Area Operations Manager serves as the site leader for Dailey while also acting as the regional operational leader for the Southern Appalachian (SAPP) region, with oversight of Mill Creek and Hacker Valley.

This role is accountable for end-to-end operational performance across assigned facilities, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people (SQDCP). The position drives execution of business strategy and sets the operating standard and builds a high-performance culture across the region.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Site Leadership — Dailey (Direct Accountability)

• Serve as the site leader with full P&L responsibility for Dailey operations.
• Drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people (SQDCP).
• Ensure execution of daily, weekly, and monthly production plans aligned with S&OP objectives.
• Establish and maintain a disciplined shop floor management system, including Level 1 and Level 2 accountability meetings, visual KPI boards, and clear escalation and problem resolution protocols.
• Implement leader standard work, ensuring consistent Gemba presence, KPI review, and accountability to action plans.
• Build team capability through clear expectations, training, and performance management.
• Drive uptime, throughput, cost per unit, and quality yield performance with focus on grade recovery, downgrade reduction, and waste minimization.

Regional Oversight — Mill Creek & Hacker Valley

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for Mill Creek and Hacker Valley.
• Partner with site leaders on production planning, cost management, and quality standards.
• Drive consistency in operating practices, KPIs, and reporting to improve overall regional performance.
• Identify and execute cross-site synergies.
• Hold site leadership accountable for performance and development.
• Ensure a consistent and disciplined safety culture across all sites.
• Standardize shop floor management, Level 1/2 structure, and leader standard work.

Safety, Quality & Culture

• Reinforce a zero-incident safety culture and ensure full regulatory compliance.
• Promote a quality-first mindset throughout all operations.
• Reinforce accountability and operational discipline at every level.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/OPEX principles.
• Drive measurable gains in uptime, yield, labor productivity, and cost reduction.
• Utilize Gemba leadership to identify and implement process improvements.
• Standardize best practices across the SAPP region.

Financial & Performance Management

• Own and drive cost-per-unit performance across the region.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Develop and execute action plans to close performance gaps.
• Ensure accurate, timely reporting and support capital planning processes.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build high-performing teams with a culture of accountability and continuous growth.
• Coach, mentor, and develop site leaders and functional managers.
• Establish clear performance expectations and drive capability development across the region.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Multi-site management experience.
• Strong financial and operational acumen.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly.

Preferred

• Wood products or industrial manufacturing background.
• Lean / Continuous Improvement (CI) experience.
• High-mix manufacturing environment experience.
• Strong executive presence and leadership credibility.

Additional Information:

Northwest Hardwoods, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.