Operational Manager in Fort William

We are looking for an experienced and driven Operations Manager to join our sawmill operation in Fort William. As a key member of the Site Senior Management Team, you will play a pivotal role in leading the day-to-day operational performance of the site. You will have responsibility for the effective management of our people, production operations, Added Value Operations and Despatch function, while ensuring the highest standards of health, safety, quality and operational efficiency are maintained.

This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring someone who can engage and influence at all levels of the organisation, develop a strong team culture and drive continuous improvement across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of approximately 40–70 employees, providing clear direction, support and accountability.
• Take overall responsibility for the effective day-to-day operation of the site’s manufacturing and operational functions.
• Lead the Added Value Operations and Despatch functions, ensuring customer requirements are consistently met.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture, ensuring safe systems of work are embedded and maintained across all operational areas.
• Drive operational performance against agreed targets, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and service.
• Develop and implement effective process management practices across the operation.
• Promote and embed Lean Manufacturing principles and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Maintain effective stock control, ensuring accurate and efficient management of materials and finished products.
• Lead, coach and develop team leaders and employees, creating a high-performing and engaged workforce.
• Build strong working relationships across the site and wider business, using effective communication and influencing skills to achieve business objectives.
• Monitor operational performance and identify and implement corrective actions where required.
• Work collaboratively with the Mill Manager and Site Senior Management Team to develop and deliver the site's operational strategy and objectives.
• Ensure operational activities are carried out in accordance with company policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Contribute to wider site and business initiatives as a key member of the senior management team.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for an individual who can combine strong operational discipline with excellent people leadership. You will be confident challenging existing ways of working, identifying opportunities for improvement and bringing people with you through change. You will be commercially and operationally focused, while never compromising on safety or the development of your team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional to take a key leadership position within a major site operation and make a tangible impact on its continued performance and development.

You will be an experienced manufacturing leader with a proven track record of managing people and operational performance within a manufacturing environment, as well as:

Essential

• Proven experience in Manufacturing Management within a busy operational environment.
• Experience of leading and managing sizeable teams.
• Strong understanding of health and safety within a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong influencing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Knowledge and practical experience of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience of stock control and inventory management.
• Strong understanding of process management and operational performance.
• A proactive, hands-on approach to leadership, with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Who we are:

BSW Group is the largest timber and forestry business in the UK, with operating divisions spanning the whole supply chain, from tree nurseries and woodland management to sawmilling and pallets. We market 35 million saplings annually through the country’s leading commercial tree nursery, have planted a billion trees through Tilhill Forestry, supply sustainable timber products to an array of industries as BSW Timber, and manufacture millions of pallets a year as Scott Pallets. We work to keep industry moving and aim to be the most technically advanced timber business in the country.

BSW operates as a collection of experts – an interconnected circle, where everyone and everything works together, allowing the business to constantly innovate as our people thrive. With an ethos to use everything and waste nothing, we leverage technology and cutting-edge practices to supply the diverse demands of the UK, helping to build sustainable worlds.

Closing date – 30th September 2026. We encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the published closing date should we receive a sufficient number of applications.