Plant Manager
The Plant Manager (PM) will be responsible for operational management of Heartwood Biomass’s wood products manufacturing facility in Wallowa, Oregon. The PM will demonstrate effective leadership of facility employees working across all production operations, with strong competencies in communication and problem-solving that result in sustained performance in safety, productivity, and quality. The PM will implement production and maintenance strategies aligned with Heartwood’s values, promoting strong leadership, an inclusive culture, highquality products from forest restoration residuals, and solid financial results. Operations & Production • Build and maintain a safety-first culture, ensuring safe work practices are prioritized • Lead and manage performance of all facility operations, meeting or exceeding key performance metrics focused on productivity, product quality, and financial outcomes • Coordinate production scheduling, shipping, and maintenance workflows • Lead and integrate both production and maintenance teams, ensuring alignment between daily operations, preventative maintenance programs, and long-term equipment reliability • Oversee byproduct identification, disposition, and management at the Wallowa facility, maximizing value recovery from all material streams • Review production and performance data to measure results and identify opportunities for improvement • Work with senior management to prepare and manage the annual operating budget for the Wallowa facility; track performance against budget and report to the CEO • Prepare, analyze, and oversee capital improvement strategies and projects Key Relationships / Functions • Partner with the CEO on operational strategy and company-wide planning • Work closely with the VP of Sales & Innovation to align production capacity with commercial priorities • Collaborate with the Director of HR and Admin on staffing, workforce planning, and employee-related matters at the Wallowa facility • Develop frontline leadership team, including maintenance, safety, and departmental leads • Build trust with internal team members and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement • Maintain productive relationships with customers, key suppliers, and contractors • Prioritize and support safety initiatives across the company Leadership | Demonstrate behavioral competencies as a leader, communicator, and collaborator - setting a tone of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Operations | Direct resources, identify and lead systems improvements, and make decisions grounded in sound operational criteria. Controls | Identify, quantify, and mitigate operational and safety risk; integrate financial and operational controls. Culture | Drive and embody company values, building a team environment rooted in safety, quality, and mutual respect. Updated: April 2026 Experience Requirements • Proven experience in industrial manufacturing management, preferably forest products • Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and team-building skills • Proactive leader and self-directed creative thinker, with demonstrated experience innovating new products or processes • Experience managing P&L and understanding the operational levers that drive profitability • Effective communication with strong verbal, written, and presentation skills • Experience building relationships with diverse stakeholders, ranging from government agencies, customers, loggers, and community members • Experience in capital project improvement, mechanical/electrical systems, and repair and preventative maintenance programs • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in mechanical and electrical systems Desired Qualifications • Experience in log procurement, timber supply chains, or related sourcing functions • Formal training in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, the Toyota Production System (TPS), Deming/Total Quality Management, or Six Sigma Education Requirements • BS degree in Business Management, Forestry, or Engineering preferred; advanced experience in plant operations may substitute for formal education • Minimum 3 - 5 years of manufacturing facility management experience, preferably wood products Physical Requirements • Ability to work in an active production environment, including prolonged periods standing, walking, and occasional lifting up to 30 pounds • Bend, stoop, and carry; ability to identify and distinguish wood species by color and other characteristics Work Location | Wallowa, OR Status | Full-time, Permanent, Monday through Friday, with weekends as needed based on production schedule demands. Travel to logging sites as needed. Compensation | Salary $80,000 - $120,000 plus benefits (dental, vision, ambulance membership, long-term disability, life, ICHRA, retirement match)
