Job Description
Position:
Pellet Mill Plant Manager Company:
PK Wood Pellet Location :
Newbury, Vermont Compensation Range:
$80,000 - $100,000 (commensurate with experience) About the Company PK Wood Pellet LLC will establish a wood pellet manufacturing facility in Wells River, Vermont, designed to transform local low-value wood byproducts into premium heating fuel for the bulk delivery market. Our operation will create a circular economy by converting sawmill waste that would otherwise be disposal problems for local sawmills into clean, renewable energy pellets. Position Overview PK Wood Pellet is seeking a hands-on, driven Pellet Mill Manager to lead day-to-day operations of a new, high-efficiency wood pellet manufacturing facility. This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in launching and operating a manufacturing operation from the ground up. The Pellet Mill Manager will be responsible for building and managing a safe, productive, and quality-focused operation from startup through full-scale production. The ideal candidate is a practical leader who thrives in a fast-paced industrial environment and enjoys balancing team leadership with technical problem-solving. Key Responsibilities Oversee all plant operations including production, maintenance, staffing, and logistics Ensure consistent production of high-quality, low-ash wood pellets for the bulk delivery market Lead, train, and develop a team of operators, maintenance staff, and equipment operators Establish and enforce plant safety programs, procedures, and culture Monitor and improve plant efficiency, uptime, throughput, and overall operational performance Coordinate feedstock supply, drying, pelletizing, and storage operations Manage preventative maintenance planning, troubleshooting, and equipment reliability Track production metrics, operating costs, and performance against operational targets Collaborate with ownership on startup activities, commissioning, and continuous improvement initiatives Qualifications Proven experience managing operations in a manufacturing, industrial, or processing environment Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, motivate, and manage teams Hands-on management style with a willingness to work directly on the plant floor Experience with mechanical systems, material handling equipment, or industrial process equipment Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and safe operating practices Ability to succeed in a startup environment requiring adaptability, resourcefulness, and decisiveness Experience in wood products, biomass, feed mills, forestry products, or similar industries is strongly preferred Why Join PK Wood Pellet? Opportunity to lead a new, modern manufacturing facility from startup through growth Key leadership role with direct impact on operations and company success Collaborative and entrepreneurial environment Competitive compensation based on experience Health insurance with generous company subsidy Dental Insurance 401 (K) retirement plan
