General Manager - Allendale, South Carolina

Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. With over 80 years in the sawmill business, Hampton operates sawmills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia and markets wood products all over the world. Hampton also manages a wholesale and lumber export division, numerous reload locations, and several remanufacturing and advanced wood manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. 

We are seeking an experienced and visionary General Manager to lead operations at our brand-new, state-of-the-art, Comact turn-key sawmill specializing in Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) production. This is not a legacy operation; you will be responsible for building a world-class team, establishing high-performance processes, and driving a modern safety and production culture from the ground up. The General Manager will oversee all operational, safety, financial, and strategic outcomes, setting the tone for innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term growth. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a new SYP facility and leave a lasting legacy of operational excellence.

• Substantial company-paid assistance for Medical and Dental insurance premiums; mental health coverage; cost effective co-pays and deductibles
• 401(k) with 5% annual company contribution and generous company matching contributions vested over three years
• Paid time off, including eight paid holidays
• Participation in the employee bonus program
• Employee wellness program that includes free counseling sessions, financial and legal guidance, and more
• Opportunities for paid training to support career advancement and personal development

• Build and develop the mill team from scratch, including recruiting, hiring, training, and developing both hourly and salaried staff.
• Lead the safe and efficient startup of the new SYP facility, ensuring production ramps meet or exceed performance, quality, and safety targets.
• Establish and implement best-in-class systems and processes, designed for a modern, data-driven SYP operation.
• Create and execute a strategic 3–5-year business plan, focusing on long-term profitability, sustainable practices, and continuous improvement.
• Drive a strong safety and engagement culture, ensuring all employees and contractors work safely and meet regulatory and company requirements.
• Set clear performance expectations and hold the leadership team accountable for achieving operational, financial, and strategic goals.
• Manage the mill’s budget, production plans, and capital projects, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and alignment with corporate objectives.
• Serve as the key point of contact with internal stakeholders (corporate leaders, sales, technical teams) and external partners (community leaders, contractors, government agencies).
• Champion leadership development and employee engagement, creating a high-performing and resilient team ready to meet current and future business challenges.
• Ensure all new equipment, processes, and systems are fully optimized to deliver long-term returns on investment.

• Demonstrated ability to adhere to operational routines, including preventative maintenance schedules, even when faced with shifting priorities or production pressures.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in production operations.
• Proven success in advancing through operational and leadership roles within the sawmill industry, ideally starting in production or maintenance and progressing to Plant Manager or equivalent.
• Proven success in startup or greenfield operations is highly preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge and operational experience with Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) manufacturing and sawmill processes.
• Demonstrated experience building teams, leading organizational change, and utilizing systems to make data-driven decisions.
• Skilled in budgeting, strategic planning, and project management.
• Knowledge of maintenance systems, capital project implementation, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment requiring innovation and adaptability.

The timber and wood products industry is a vital part of many communities, and we’re excited to bring new opportunities to Allendale County, South Carolina. We are committed to supporting the local workforce, investing in training and development, and being active members of the communities where we operate. Many of our employees have built long, rewarding careers with us, and we look forward to welcoming new team members to our family.

Learn more at Hamptonlumber.com, follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @hamptonlumber.com 

Hampton Lumber is an equal opportunity employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law. 

Disability accommodation available: If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office for the location that you are applying.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see these government posters: EEO is the Law and its accompanying temporary supplement.