Piet Retief: Wet Mill Manager posted by Rivers Labour Consultants

Wet Mill Manager Piet Retief

Our client, a dynamic medium-sized sawmilling operation situated midway between Ermelo and Mkhondo, is seeking a results-driven and hands-on Wet Mill Manager to oversee and optimise all wet mill production activities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for achieving production throughput targets, maximising log recovery and yield, maintaining product quality standards, and ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective wet mill operations.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Wood Technology, Timber Processing, Production Management, or a related field will be advantageous
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience within a sawmilling production environment
• Proven experience managing wet mill operations and production teams
• Strong understanding of log breakdown optimisation, recovery rates, sawing systems, and lumber yield improvement
• Sound mechanical aptitude and operational troubleshooting skills
• Computer literacy and experience with production reporting systems are essential
• Knowledge of health, safety, and quality management principles within a manufacturing environment

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimise all wet mill production processes and personnel
• Achieve production throughput, recovery, yield, and efficiency targets
• Minimise downtime, production bottlenecks, and operational losses
• Monitor and improve log conversion efficiency and lumber recovery percentages
• Ensure compliance with grading standards and product quality specifications
• Coordinate production flow between the log yard, wet mill, and downstream operations
• Liaise with the engineering and maintenance departments to ensure effective preventative maintenance planning
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, safety, and legal compliance
• Manage shift performance, labour productivity, attendance, and operator accountability
• Monitor saw performance, alignment, cutting accuracy, and equipment utilisation
• Ensure optimal log presentation, breakdown accuracy, and material flow throughout the production process
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance yield, productivity, and operational efficiency
• Prepare and analyse production reports and performance data to support operational decision-making

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production throughput achievement
• Log recovery and lumber yield percentages
• Product quality and grading compliance
• Downtime reduction and equipment utilisation
• Labour productivity and team performance
• Cost control and operational efficiency
• Safety, housekeeping, and legal compliance standards
• Continuous improvement implementation and results

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Hands-on operational approach with high energy levels
• Decisive, disciplined, and production-focused
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability and ownership