BFP - MATS LEAD MAN

MATS Lead Man / Supervisor (Production Lead)

Department

Operations / Production

Reports To

MATS  Production Manager (or Plant Manager)

Job Summary

The MATS Lead Man / Supervisor is responsible for leading day-to-day production activities in the MATS area to ensure safe, efficient, and quality operations. This role coordinates labor, monitors equipment and material flow, enforces safety and attendance expectations, and supports training and continuous improvement. The Lead Man / Supervisor works hands-on with the crew while maintaining production targets and ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all plant safety rules, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and safe work practices.

• Conduct pre-shift huddles, job safety briefings, and hazard identification; correct unsafe conditions and behaviors immediately.

• Report all incidents, near misses, and safety concerns promptly; assist with investigations and corrective actions.

• Ensure housekeeping standards (5S) are maintained in work areas and around equipment.

Production & Operations

• Direct and coordinate daily workflow in the MATS department to meet production and quality goals.

• Monitor material flow, downtime, and staffing to keep production running efficiently.

• Communicate with maintenance regarding equipment issues; submit work requests and help prioritize repairs.

• Perform start-up/shutdown checks, verify equipment settings, and ensure guards and safety devices are in place.

• Track production metrics (throughput, yields, waste, rework, downtime reasons) and report to management.

Quality Control

• Ensure product meets specifications and customer requirements (dimensions, grade, labeling, packaging/banding).

• Identify quality issues and initiate corrective actions, including process adjustments and operator coaching.

• Verify proper documentation and traceability (tally sheets, tickets, tags, loads, transfers) as required.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and train employees on job tasks, safe operation, and standard work procedures.

• Assign job duties, rotate positions as needed, and ensure adequate coverage for breaks and shift changes.

• Address attendance, performance, and conduct concerns; document and escalate through the supervisor/HR process.

• Support onboarding of new employees and cross-training to build bench strength.

• Promote teamwork and maintain professional communication with all departments.

Communication & Coordination

• Coordinate with log yard, sawmill, planer, shipping, and inventory teams to align on production priorities.

• Provide shift handoff updates including production results, issues, safety concerns, and maintenance needs.

• Participate in daily/weekly production meetings and improvement initiatives.

Information about this position: 

Position is paid Hourly basis - Overtime is required. (occasional weekends)

Monday - Friday  - 12 hour shifts - night shift 5pm - 5 am 

Shift differential pay available (not shown in description) 

Benefits package available (medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, Life insurance, 401k, and more ... ) 

PTO and paid holidays available after 90 days of employment. 

and so much more. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of sawmill/wood products operations and safe machine practices.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and hold employees accountable.

• Ability to identify problems quickly and make sound decisions under time constraints.

• Basic computer skills (data entry, email, production reporting systems).

• Strong communication skills; able to write clear notes and incident/production reports.

• Ability to operate or assist with forklifts, loaders, and production equipment as assigned (with certification where required).

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.

• 2 years experience in wood products manufacturing, sawmill, or industrial production required.

• 1 year lead/crew leader experience preferred.

• Ability to work shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders; bending, pushing, pulling.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (with assistance/mechanical aid as needed).

• Exposure to dust, noise, heat/cold, moving equipment; must wear required PPE.

• Must be able to work in an industrial environment with outdoor/indoor transitions.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain a dependable attendance record and follow company policies and procedures.

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations.