Timber Processing Manager

Company Overview

Waipapa Pine, a part of Fletcher Building, is a reputable manufacturer of premium sawn timber products located in Northland, New Zealand at Waipapa and Whangārei. The company places strong emphasis on contributing employment opportunities to the local community.

Role Summary

We are seeking a committed and seasoned Timber Processing Manager to oversee secondary processing operations at the Waipapa site, working full-time with a minimum of 45 hours per week, Monday through Friday. This leadership role involves managing operations in areas such as the dry mill, kilns, pellet plant, and finished goods production.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to a team of 26 employees, managed via supervisors.
• Ensure safe, efficient production processes, maintaining high standards of quality and performance.
• Maintain visibility on the production floor to support frontline leaders and hands-on problem solving.
• Drive continuous operational improvements and foster a robust health and safety culture.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to optimize performance across the site.

Candidate Profile

• Strong operational leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage supervisors and workforce effectively.
• Capability to build trust, set clear expectations, and uphold accountability and standards.
• Confident in decision-making and fostering a positive team environment.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role within timber processing, sawmilling, or related manufacturing operations.
• Relevant qualification or trade certification in manufacturing, operations, engineering, timber processing, or business preferred.
• Experience managing multiple departments, operational areas, or production lines.
• Strong knowledge of production flow, plant utilization, product quality, downtime management, and continuous improvement principles.
• Proven capability in managing safety, production, and workforce performance metrics.
• Experience or technical understanding of kiln operations or timber drying processes is advantageous.

Benefits and Perks

• Influential leadership role with scope to impact site culture and performance.
• Lead an established and skilled team contributing to the success of a reputable Northland business.
• Access to an Employee Education Fund supporting personal and dependent learning and development.
• Generous Parental Leave policies and an Employee Welfare Fund for assistance during challenging times.
• KiwiSaver employer contributions matched up to 4% of base salary.
• Wide range of discounts available at partnered retailers including PlaceMakers, Z Petrol, PB Technologies, and others.
• Supportive and inclusive workplace culture fostering growth and development.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

The company encourages applications from women and minority groups, recognizing the value of diversity in languages, cultures, and lifestyles which strengthen the workforce and company success.