08th August, 2025
Client
Our client is a softwood pine plantation located near Newcastle, NSW, transitioning from the growing phase to the harvesting phase. The business is recommissioning an integrated sawmilling and timber treatment facility that has been inactive for several years. The company is now seeking a dedicated and proactive On-Site Saw Mill Manager to lead the safe restart and ramp-up of this facility, overseeing installation and commissioning of new, state of the art equipment and establishing production systems.
Role
The role provides an opportunity to establish an operation that includes log yard, green mill, drying, preservation, dry mill, and dispatch. This operation will aim to meet domestic and international contracts while achieving worldclass safety, quality, environmental and financial outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the detailed restart plan for an inactive sawmill and treatment facility, including site readiness, utilities reestablishment, equipment selection, procurement, installation, commissioning and ramp up.
- Implement a comprehensive capital improvement plan; manage contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver scope, schedule and budget objectives.
- Define and implement modern control systems, automation and data analytics tools that position the site as a technology leader within the industry.
- Plan and coordinate daily/weekly production to fulfil domestic and international supply contracts in collaboration with the Plantation Manager and Sales & Logistics teams.
- Hire the required team to support safe and efficient operations.
Requirements
- Degree or Diploma in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, Forestry, or comparable discipline or extensive equivalent industry experience.
- Greater than 10 years in wood products manufacturing, including ≥ 3 years leading a sawmill, treatment plant or comparable heavy process restart/greenfield deployment.
- Demonstrated success commissioning new equipment and leading technology driven change.
- Expert knowledge of timber treatment processes (CCA, ACQ, LOSP) and Australian/New Zealand & export standards.
Remuneration and Location A competitive salary and benefits package are offered for this role, commensurate with experience. Free rent for on-site accommodation is available if required, and if off-site accommodation is preferred, then compensation will be provided.
To Apply Please apply for this role online, call me on 0419012841 , or email me at ray@agri.com.au. Dr Ray Johnson is the Lead Agribusiness Consultant and Managing Director of Agricultural Appointments.
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