Operations Manager
Enviva
Company Overview
Enviva Inc.
HeadquartersBethesda, Maryland, United States
Founded2004
SizeApproximately 1,200 employees (source: linkedin.com). Revenue of over $1 billion in FY 2022 (source: wikipedia.org).
What They Do
Enviva specializes in biomass production, focusing on the manufacturing of wood pellets derived from sustainably managed forests in the U.S. Southeast. The company has transitioned from a startup to the world's largest producer of wood pellets, which serve as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, particularly coal in power generation (source: lesprom.com). Their wood pellets are produced by blending raw materials, primarily pine, which now constitutes 80% of their input, with limited hardwoods, creating dense and transportable pellets that are exported globally through a robust supply chain (source: envivabiomass.com). Enviva's products are marketed as renewable biogenic carbon sources, aimed at reducing carbon footprints in various industrial processes, including power generation and advanced biofuels (source: envivabiomass.com). Their target markets include utility-scale power plants and heavy industries, with significant contracts in the UK, EU, and Japan, having displaced over 19 million metric tons of coal since inception (source: envivabiomass.com).
Projects & Track Record
Enviva operates nine wood pellet plants across six Southeastern states, including facilities in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, with a combined production capacity of 6.2 million metric tons annually (source: wikipedia.org). The company has established a strong export network through five U.S. terminals, including locations in Chesapeake, Wilmington, Pascagoula, Savannah, and Mobile (source: envivabiomass.com). Recent expansions include plans for an 11th plant in Epes, Alabama, and a 12th near Bond, Mississippi, supported by a $570 million line of credit aimed at doubling output by 2027 (source: wikipedia.org). Enviva's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its SFI certification and partnerships with organizations focused on responsible biomass production (source: envivabiomass.com).
Recent Developments
In the past two years, Enviva has seen significant leadership changes, including the return of co-founder John Keppler as Executive Chairman in March 2023, following a $246 million PIPE financing to support operational recovery (source: envivabiomass.com). The company also released a white paper in 2023 discussing the evolution of bioenergy in heavy industries, highlighting its first U.S. SAF contract with Alder Fuels (source: envivabiomass.com). However, financial challenges culminated in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on March 13, 2024, following ongoing losses attributed to high feedstock costs and operational inefficiencies (source: mongabay.com). Despite these challenges, Enviva continues to focus on its sustainability initiatives and partnerships to navigate its recovery (source: envivabiomass.com).
Working There
Enviva offers a diverse range of roles across various departments, including manufacturing, operations, fiber procurement, sustainability, and business development (source: envivabiomass.com). The company emphasizes a culture of safety, integrity, and community support, with operations located in multiple states, including North Carolina, Virginia, and Mississippi (source: envivabiomass.com). Hiring occurs at various operational sites, and the company promotes values such as determination, respect, and ethical conduct in its workforce (source: envivabiomass.com). While specific benefits are not detailed, leadership emphasizes volunteerism and support for forest stewardship initiatives, contributing to economic opportunities in rural communities (source: envivabiomass.com).
Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Report an issue
Job Description
The Enviva team is driven by our shared vision for a renewable energy future. We are a fast-growing, purpose-driven, global energy company specializing in delivering sustainable wood bioenergy solutions. We are the world's largest producer of sustainable wood pellets, which provide a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels.
The Operations Manager will work directly with the plant lead team, regional support personnel, and upper levels of management to ensure company objectives are met, while providing leadership and direction to line supervision and Area Managers. Operations Manager shall ensure the execution of Enviva's Operational Excellence Management System (OEMS). This position reports directly to the Plant Manager.
Responsibilities
- Primary responsibility and ownership for maintaining a safe work environment that meets all Enviva, OSHA, local, state, and federal requirements.
- Plan, organize, and optimize the day-to-day operations.
- Develop a sustaining culture of Operational Excellence by executing Enviva's OEMS
- Partner with Human Capital Team in identifying, recruiting, managing, and developing line leaders, area managers, and non-exempt employees.
- Provide continuous coaching, mentoring, and training for direct reports, and ensure all plant associates are properly trained.
- Build and leverage leadership competence and capability and continuously improve Key Performance Indices
- Assist in the preparation of plant annual budget and monthly production & spending forecast.
- Drive profitability of the plant by maximizing asset capacity and controlling costs, while appropriately managing risks, and maintaining current quality standards.
- Review and analyze data to track and optimize productivity and standards, metrics, and performance targets to ensure effective return on assets.
- Allocate resources effectively and fully utilizes assets to produce optimal results.
- Implements strategies in alignment with company objectives while providing a clear sense of direction, focus, and personal accountability for the team.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or relevant discipline.
- Minimum 5+ years of progressive Operations management experience in manufacturing.
- Experience managing operations in a 24/7 business.
- Strong knowledge of business and management principles (budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation and human resources).
- Knowledgeable of safety, quality, productivity, demand creation, inventory control, and stewardship processes
- Ability to lead in a highly fluid environment and through rapid change.
- Strong team building, decision-making and people management skills.
- Excellent communication skills and proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and other applications related to the job.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience managing a 24/7 operation in wood products industry
- Previous experience managing continuous process manufacturing
- Previous experience managing operations teams >= 80 employees
Working Conditions
- Must be able to work in outdoor environments and occasionally in temperatures above 100 degrees and below 32 degrees.
- Willing and able to work in a hot, humid, cold and noisy industrial environment.
- Willing and able to maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations, to include wearing safety equipment.
- Able to work "off-shift" hours or weekends as required
Physical Requirements
- Willing and able to perform tasks such as lifting, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, pushing and/or pulling for up to twelve (12) hours a day.
- Able to ascend/descend ladders and stairs
- Willing and able to work around moving equipment and machinery.
- Willing and able to pull and lift, up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
This position is not eligible for visa support.
EEO Statement
Enviva is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) in any term, condition or privilege of employment. Enviva does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, uniform service member, genetic information or any other status protected by law. Enviva complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we operate.
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Job expired?Please let Enviva know you found this job on Rejobs. It helps us grow and get more people working in renewable energy.
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About the role
July 29, 2026
July 29, 2026
Full time
On-site
Company
- Greenwood, South Carolina, United States
5+ years in Operations management
UTC-04:00