Plant Manager

Georgia Pacific; Dudley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading plywood manufacturer in Dudley is seeking a Plant Manager to drive operational excellence and lead continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will oversee plant operations and ensure compliance with safety standards while fostering a strong team culture. Ideal applicants will have at least 3 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, along with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package focusing on employee wellbeing.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation/time off

Educational assistance

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Solid understanding of financial and accounting principles.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams and promote a Principle‑Based Management culture.
• Oversee plant operations from raw material receipt to shipment.
• Ensure compliance with EHS standards and company policies.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing operations

Performance management

Continuous improvement

Safety enforcement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering, Wood Science, or related field

Job description

Your Job

Georgia‑Pacific is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Plant Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence at our Dudley plywood plant. This role is critical for driving continuous improvement in process reliability, product quality, and cost efficiency, while fostering a strong safety culture and an engaged workforce.

Our Team

Georgia‑Pacific in Dudley, NC, manufactures plywood panels and siding that are ideal for residential and light commercial construction. GP employees strive for safety and health excellence while achieving an injury‑free workplace. Our Plywood facility in Dudley, North Carolina, is located in a vibrant community known for its rich forestry heritage and welcoming southern charm.

What You Will Do

• Lead by example and coach employees to build a Principle‑Based Management (PBM^®) culture aligned with our guiding principles.
• Develop and lead teams to maximize engagement, contribution, and accountability toward plant goals.
• Maintain a strong commitment to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards and regulatory compliance.
• Promote safety best practices and ensure adherence to all company policies and government regulations.
• Drive Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) to ensure a safe, healthy, and environmentally compliant workplace.
• Oversee all facets of plant operations, from raw material receipt through finished product shipment.
• Manage production schedules, inventory control, operating rates, fiber recovery, and financial performance of the facility.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability and product quality.
• Identify talent gaps, provide coaching, deliver performance feedback, and implement incentive programs.
• Foster productive working relationships with support functions, including procurement, sales, HR, accounting, and others.
• Ensure the facility complies with all applicable company policies, state, federal, and local regulations.
• Ensure the facility meets company expectations for production scheduling, inventory control, operating rate, fiber recovery, and facility financial performance.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations, including process, maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of leading profitable organizational change.
• Experience managing and developing teams with a focus on performance management.
• Solid understanding of financial and accounting principles related to operational planning and expense management.
• Knowledge of EH&S management systems, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and enforcement of safe work practices.
• Experience in developing and executing business improvement strategies.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering, Wood Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years progressive leadership experience in wood products manufacturing (Plant Manager, Production Manager, Plant Superintendent, Reliability or Maintenance Manager).
• Experience managing large capital projects.
• Proficiency with continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and Transactional Lean.
• Experience formulating business improvement strategies that achieve results.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength—focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Eligibility criteria are set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E‑Verify.