Interim Timber Mill Operations Manager

Project Timber is seeking an Interim Timber Mill Operations Manager to take control of the timber mill, improve safe output, strengthen the team, implement practical systems, and improve the commercial performance of the department.

This is a hands-on role for someone who can lead from the floor, create structure quickly, and make the mill safer, more productive, and more accountable.

→ Maximise safe output across the timber mill.

→ Improve safety standards and ensure processes are followed.

→ Build practical operating systems for daily mill control.

→ Recruit, train, and structure the team where required.

→ Reduce downtime, waste, rework, and poor material flow.

→ Improve labour efficiency and accountability.

→ Create clear daily reporting on performance, risks, and progress.

→ Leave the mill in a stronger, more controlled position.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the timber mill, including people, machines, materials, safety, output, quality, and reporting.

They will be expected to review current processes, identify key constraints, implement improvements, and create simple systems that make the department easier to manage and scale.

The role includes enforcing safety standards, improving machine utilisation, supporting recruitment, training operators, setting clear performance expectations, and reducing avoidable waste and downtime.

✓ Higher safe output.

✓ Stronger safety discipline.

✓ Clear written processes.

✓ Better machine utilisation.

✓ Better team structure.

✓ Reduced waste and rework.

✓ Clearer accountability.

✓ Improved commercial performance.

We are looking for someone with experience in timber, sawmill operations, machining, manufacturing, or a similar production environment.

• They must be hands-on, firm but fair, commercially aware, safety-focused, and capable of improving performance without creating unnecessary complexity.