Job Purpose

Develop, lead, direct, and drive operational and maintenance strategies for assets utilized in OSB and Siding Mills that will reduce unplanned downtime and increase OEE. Develop strategies for assets utilized in converting logs into strands that are ready to be processed into the finished product. Leverage best operational and maintenance practices from site to site as well as manufacturer upgrades and modifications that will increase reliability. Through criticality assessments and failure history, work to identify critical spare parts required based on business impact. Become the corporate subject matter expert on manufacturing processes and equipment, utilizing learned skills to assist in training and coaching the operations and maintenance teams on the most efficient practices, methods, and procedures. Support the engineering group on rebuilds and modifications of key assets.

In this position you will have the opportunity to:

• Work with site operations and maintenance to reduce unplanned downtime in debarking, flaking, and screening processes.
• Work with site operations and maintenance to reduce unplanned downtime in the drying systems and processes.
• Develop best operational and maintenance strategies for the green end processes and equipment.
• Develop best operational and maintenance strategies for the dry end processes and equipment.
• Coordinate with suppliers, OEM’s, and external resources to deliver training and optimal asset management strategies.
• Maintain and track critical spares parts that might be shared between sites.
• Maintain and track history of green end, drying and energy system upgrades, modifications, rebuilds, and repairs.
• Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and expertise on all green end, drying, and energy processes and equipment.
• Teach, coach, mentor and support best maintenance & operational practices.
• Identify areas of energy mass balance opportunities and work with sites to develop strategic plans for energy savings.
• Support capital projects and engineering in the design, installation, and start-up of green end, drying & energy systems.
• Support risk management activities such as thermal oil audits and thermal oil asset strategies.
• Review site thermal oil test results and work with sites on plans to maintain oil within acceptable limits.
• Work with LP Quality to optimize flake size / geometry, total bark allowance, and moisture limits.
• Review and assist in root cause failure analysis on green end, drying, and energy systems significant downtime events throughout the corporation.
• Assume responsibility for personal compliance with all safety requirements and include safe practices in all implemented processes.
• Conduct assessments and provide comprehensive reports of the gaps between desired levels of performance and the actual levels.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Work within the department budget.

What do I need to be successful?

• 10+ years’ experience in Operations, Engineering or Plant Maintenance for OSB manufacturing or other related wood products.
• 5+ years’ experience in log handling, flaking, strand drying, and energy operations in OSB or other related wood products.
• Or any combination of experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the key responsibilities of this position.
• Experience and knowledge log handling and debarking equipment.
• Experience and knowledge with wood stranding equipment such as stranders, flakers, and waferizers.
• Experience with Kadant /Carmanah ring stranders is desired.
• Experience and knowledge of wood strand/flake drying equipment.   Experience with MEC triple pass and TSI single pass dryers is a plus.
• Experience and knowledge with bark burning furnace operations.
• Experience and familiarity with operational control systems and HMI screens, along with ability to use trending tools and review alarm / event history.
• Experienced and trained on Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and/or Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA).
• Proven team leadership and project management skills; ability to influence change.
• Ability to transfer knowledge to local hourly and management teams through teaching, mentoring, and coaching.
• Analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong multi-tasking skills; ability to effectively manage multiple demanding priorities.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office and applicable software applications.

Education

• BS Degree in Forestry, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or other related degree with equivalent experience is desired.
• Minimum of Associates degree or equivalent training and experience.
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.

Work Environment

• This position works in both an office environment and in a manufacturing environment. i.e., climbing ladders and stairs, working in hot and dusty environments for up to 10 hours and occasional carrying or lifting of 40 lb equipment.
• Heavy travel requiring a flexible schedule is required.

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