What are the responsibilities and job description for the LEAP - Operations Management Trainee Program position at Canfor?
The Opportunity:Posting ID: 29289 Position Type: Regular City: El Dorado, AR, United States Location: Iron Mountain Sawmill
About The Role
Canfor’s LEAP (Leadership Exposure Acceleration Program) – Operations Management Trainee Program is a fast-tracked leadership development opportunity for high-potential early-career professionals who are interested in building a long-term career in manufacturing leadership. Through structured rotations, hands-on operational experience, mentorship and targeted leadership development, participants gain exposure to all aspects of the mill operations and are prepared for future supervisor roles. This is a 1-year program; upon successful completion, you will transition into a managerial role at the plant.
What You Will Do
Successful LEAP candidates are enterprising, eager to learn, comfortable with responsibility, and motivated by continuous improvement. They demonstrate curiosity, resilience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate both people and operational challenges in a manufacturing environment.
Why Join Canfor
At Canfor, we invest in our people and their future. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, hands-on learning, and long-term career growth opportunities
At Canfor, we embrace diversity, valuing everyone’s unique qualities. We believe that inclusion and diversity are crucial for our productivity, creativity, innovation, and competitive edge. Our recruitment process is fair and equitable, based on qualifications and experience.
Why Canfor? We're a global leader in low-carbon forest products like lumber, pulp, paper, wood pellets, and green energy. We prioritize innovation, environmental practices, and community support. In the U.S., we operate as Canfor Southern Pine, offering high-quality, sustainable Southern Yellow Pine.
Join us today, and together, we can build a sustainable future.
We appreciate all candidates' interest but will contact only those selected for interviews. Our hiring for various positions is ongoing and includes different screening processes such as behavioral assessments, references, criminal record checks, and drug testing, depending on the role and location.
About The Role
Canfor’s LEAP (Leadership Exposure Acceleration Program) – Operations Management Trainee Program is a fast-tracked leadership development opportunity for high-potential early-career professionals who are interested in building a long-term career in manufacturing leadership. Through structured rotations, hands-on operational experience, mentorship and targeted leadership development, participants gain exposure to all aspects of the mill operations and are prepared for future supervisor roles. This is a 1-year program; upon successful completion, you will transition into a managerial role at the plant.
What You Will Do
- Complete full-mill operational rotations across production, maintenance, safety, and continuous improvement
- Work closely with mill leadership, subject matter experts, and mentors to develop leadership and people-management skills
- Gain hands-on experience supervising teams in a manufacturing environment
- Participate in structured technical and leadership training
- Build strong knowledge of Canfor systems, safety culture, and mill operational best practices
- Earn industry-recognized credentials, including the Industrial Wood Processing Certificate from British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
- College or university degree (preferred)
- 2 years of supervisory experience in manufacturing (preferred)
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and willingness to learn
- Ability to work all shifts and in mill or outdoor environments
- Flexibility to work from any of our operations (preferred)
Successful LEAP candidates are enterprising, eager to learn, comfortable with responsibility, and motivated by continuous improvement. They demonstrate curiosity, resilience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate both people and operational challenges in a manufacturing environment.
Why Join Canfor
At Canfor, we invest in our people and their future. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, hands-on learning, and long-term career growth opportunities
At Canfor, we embrace diversity, valuing everyone’s unique qualities. We believe that inclusion and diversity are crucial for our productivity, creativity, innovation, and competitive edge. Our recruitment process is fair and equitable, based on qualifications and experience.
Why Canfor? We're a global leader in low-carbon forest products like lumber, pulp, paper, wood pellets, and green energy. We prioritize innovation, environmental practices, and community support. In the U.S., we operate as Canfor Southern Pine, offering high-quality, sustainable Southern Yellow Pine.
Join us today, and together, we can build a sustainable future.
We appreciate all candidates' interest but will contact only those selected for interviews. Our hiring for various positions is ongoing and includes different screening processes such as behavioral assessments, references, criminal record checks, and drug testing, depending on the role and location.