Leadership Development Professional (LDP)

Job Description

Leadership Development Professional | Weyerhaeuser

The Tone:
This is a full-time, entry-level opportunity at Weyerhaeuser, located in Elkin, NC, for recent college graduates. Weyerhaeuser sustainably manages forests and manufactures products that make the world a better place, building its reputation as a leader in sustainable wood products for over 125 years. This role is designed as a detailed 12-month development plan, where you will grow leadership skills, gain general business understanding of manufacturing processes, and learn the operations of a Wood Products mill. It is a critical step in preparing individuals for future leadership roles within the company, making a tangible difference in operations and process improvement.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person Elkin, NC
• Pay: $58800–$88200 yearly
• Team: Works under close guidance with assigned mentors.
• Mission: To grow and strengthen leadership skills, develop a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes, and successfully complete site projects to prepare for future roles within the company.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Improvement: Systematically identify areas for improvement and implement value-added initiatives across the mill.
• Analysis: Conduct comprehensive mill-wide studies and trials to gather data, analyze performance, and inform decision-making.
• Documentation: Provide direct support in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures to ensure process consistency and quality.
• Troubleshooting: Actively troubleshoot and resolve quality and production issues, employing a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Training: Train other employees on effective, structured methodologies for problem-solving.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Wood Science, Engineering, or a related field, or currently on track to receive a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) by June 2027. This is an entry-level position seeking individuals eager to learn about and master wood products production processes.
• Experience: A willingness to relocate for the next role assignment, as it may be in another facility after successful completion of the 12-month development plan. Also, an ability and willingness to travel within the US is required.
• Skills: Ability to deliver workable, value-added solutions to solve real manufacturing problems; proficiency in communicating issues and results to both technical and non-technical audiences; a collaborative team player with a high level of initiative and the ability to excel with minimum supervision; adaptability to multiple demands, shifting work priorities, ambiguity, and change; and a working knowledge of quality control, statistics, and optimization concepts.
• Bonus: Knowledge of LEAN, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies is preferred.