SAWMILL MANAGER

SUMMARY:
Vryheid area, KwaZulu-Natal province – South Africa: Our client is looking for a committed, experienced and qualified Sawmill manager to run their operation in line with their vision.

POSITION INFO:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
 

• Agricultural Diploma/Degree advantageous
• Agricultural background essential
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience
• Previous timber, nursery or sawmill experience
• Must have a positive attitude, integrity, and excellent communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to manage, communicate, work with and motivate staff essential
• Maintenance orientated
• Valid driver’s license

• Oversee daily sawmill production, ensuring targets are met and progressively scaled from 400 m³/month towards the 1,000 m³/month growth target
• Manage log intake, sawing schedules, and product mix across structural timber and pallet material lines
• Oversee the CCA gum pole treatment process, ensuring correct treatment cycles, quality standards, and compliance with relevant regulations (e.g. SANS standards)
• Manage and lead the production team (currently 15 staff), including labour scheduling, performance, and training as the team grows
• Monitor and control production costs, yield/recovery rates, and wastage
• Ensure health and safety standards are maintained across the sawmill and treatment plant
• Maintain and enforce quality control standards for sawn timber and treated poles
• Coordinate with procurement on log supply and materials to keep production running to plan
• Track stock levels, production output, and dispatch against sales orders
• Report regularly to management on production performance, costs, and any operational issues
• Maintain and enforce equipment maintenance schedules to minimise downtime
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental, safety, and industry regulations