White River Mill Manager (White River Sawmill)

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White River Mill Manager (White River Sawmill)

Location: Mpumalanga
Sector: Sawmilling
Contract Type: Permanent

White River Mill Manager

Company: White River Sawmill
Job Title: White River Mill Manager
Job Type: Permanent
Reporting To: CEO
Job Location: Mpumalanga
Date Posted: 15 September 2026
Closing date for applications: 23 September 2026

Suitably qualified external candidates are invited to apply for the following position available in White River Saw Mills Group: 

WHITE RIVER MILL MANAGER

To provide strategic and operational leadership of the sawmill, ensuring the safe, efficient and profitable conversion of sawlogs into quality finished products, to have the overall responsibility for production, recovery/yield, quality, maintenance, people, safety, cost control and continuous improvement, while ensuring that the sawmill meets its production and financial objectives.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience required:

  • Proven Grade 12 school qualification or equivalent;
  • BTech(Wood Tech)/National Diploma(Wood Technology)/BSc(Wood Science)/proven equivalent qualification;
  • Additional management qualification (MBA / MBL or equivalent) advantageous;
  • Minimum 8-10 years’ proven previous experience in a sawmill/manufacturing production environment with contactable references essential (both dry mill as well as wet mill experience / knowledge required);
  • At least 5 years’ experience in a senior management or supervisory position;
  • Strong understanding of sawmilling processes, log breakdown, recovery and production optimization;
  • Strong managerial skills, strong people management skills as well as good personal relations (towards all stakeholders);
  • Fluency in English as official business language (reading / writing / speaking) (additional language/s advantageous);
  • Good knowledge of quality / SANS Standards / relevant SABS grading specifications would be beneficial;
  • Knowledge and understanding of OHS Act and requirements;
  • Computer Literacy (Advanced knowledge and proficiency of Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook and Word) and relevant systems);
  • Exposure to Planned Maintenance Systems with the emphasis on preventative maintenance and plant optimization;
  • Strong financial and cost-management skills;
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills;
  • Mechanical and Electrical knowledge of sawmilling machines and operations;
  • Valid driver’s license.

Reporting Line:

This position reports to the CEO.

Key responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

Production & Operations

  • Manage the complete sawmill production process from log intake through to finished product.
  • Ensure production targets are achieved in terms of volume, recovery, quality and cost.
  • Optimize log breakdown and cutting patterns to maximize recovery and value.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve throughput and productivity.
  • Ensure effective production planning and scheduling.

 Financial & Commercial

  • Manage the sawmill’s operating costs within approved budgets.
  • Monitor cost per cubic meter and other key operational cost indicators and correct under performance.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to reduce waste and improve profitability.
  • Work closely with Sales to ensure production is aligned with customer requirements and market demand.

Maintenance & Engineering

  • Ensure planned maintenance program is followed and acted upon
  • Minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Work closely with maintenance and engineering teams to improve plant reliability.
  • Ensure capital projects and equipment upgrades are properly planned and implemented.

People & Leadership

  • Lead, develop and motivate the sawmill management and operational teams.
  • Establish clear performance expectations and accountability.
  • Develop skills and succession plans within the mill.
  • Promote a culture of discipline, teamwork, productivity and continuous improvement.
  • Manage employee relations in conjunction with HR.

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure full compliance with the OHS Act and applicable legislation.
  • Maintain a strong safety culture throughout the operation.
  • Ensure appropriate environmental and operational standards are maintained.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable product and quality standards.

Key Performance Indicators

The successful candidate should ultimately be measured against clear, quantifiable KPIs, including:

  • Sawlog recovery (%);
  • Production volume (m³);
  • Production efficiency;
  • Cost per m³;
  • Machine/plant availability;
  • Downtime;
  • Product quality;
  • Safety performance;
  • Labour productivity;
  • Maintenance performance;
  • Budget adherence;
  • Continuous improvement initiatives.

Additional Information:

Market-related salary with potential profit share (Package negotiable – can be structured).

All applications will be considered, however, EE/AA Candidates will enjoy preference as per approved WRSM EE plan (African Males and African Females are encouraged to apply).

(should you not receive any communication within 14 days after closing date, please accept your application as unsuccessful).