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Mill Manager

A Mill Manager oversees teams who operate mills. In the forestry industry, these mills produce materials such as pulp and paper materials to be used by other forest products mills, or they may produce end products such as lumber, plywood, particleboard and printer paper.

In addition to managing employees, a Mill Manager also ensures systems and equipment are functioning well, creates and manages budgets, and collects and reviews data to help decrease inefficiencies and waste.

This position may also be known as a plant supervisor or a forest products processing manager.

Ryan Flanagan

Sawmill Manager, Sierra Pacific Industries

Sawmilling is my passion, and I have been determined to learn everything I can about timber, lumber and the manufacturing industry to better serve Sierra Pacific and pass my knowledge on to my management team. It is my responsibility to make sure our mill site is running safely and at its best and producing the quality products our customers depend on.

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Industrial Management, or a related field is recommended. A degree, however, is not always necessary if you have plenty of work-related experience.

Helpful courses to take in high school include business management, computer courses and mathematics. Hands-on experience working in an industrial setting is advised.

Tools of the Trade

  • Management software is used to efficiently manage the mill and its workers.
  • While working in the mill, the Mill Manager will oversee employees who use various power tools such as electric drills, impact wrenches, reciprocating saws and air chisels. An understanding of these tools will help the manager guide employees and ensure safety guidelines are followed while using them.
  • It will also be beneficial for the mill manager to understand the use of large machinery, which will also be actively used on site. For example, a forklift will be used to move and transport large loads of wood products.

Important Skills

Good leadership skills are needed to be able to take charge and give clear direction to mill workers and staff. Also, it is essential to be able to delegate and manage various tasks.

Financial management skills are necessary to properly allocate mill funds, ensuring money is used well.

The Mill Manager must possess time management skills, as mills tend to have specific deadlines for creating and shipping products.

Job Responsibilities

Mill Managers coordinate mill-wide product production, from directing raw materials up to finishing and shipping the end product to the buyer. 

A primary duty of the Mill Manager is to ensure his or her employees are safe working under their supervision. This position is responsible for providing proper training and enforcing safety standards mill-wide.

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