Job Description

The Production Manager will oversee day-to-day operations of the shop and plant for a custom construction and design organization. This role ensures projects move efficiently from design into fabrication, scheduling labor and equipment, managing inventory, enforcing quality and compliance standards, and driving continuous improvement across the production floor. The ideal candidate is hands-on, solutions-oriented, and experienced in custom, engineered-to-order or fabrication-driven environments.

Key Responsibilities

Production Scheduling & Workflow Management

• Develop and manage daily and weekly production schedules for shop and plant operations.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, and materials to meet project timelines and client requirements.
• Track work-in-progress and proactively address schedule risks, bottlenecks, or delays.
• Collaborate with design, project management, and installation teams to align priorities and timelines.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all products meet internal quality standards and customer specifications.
• Implement and enforce compliance with safety protocols, building codes, and manufacturing standards.
• Conduct regular inspections, root-cause analyses, and corrective actions to maintain high-quality output.
• Support continuous training on quality and safety procedures.

Inventory & Materials Management

• Oversee material planning, ordering, receiving, and inventory control for the shop and plant.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to prevent shortages and minimize waste.
• Work closely with suppliers and purchasing to forecast material needs based on pipeline and production schedules.
• Implement inventory tracking, cycle counts, and material flow improvements.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify opportunities to streamline production processes and improve throughput.
• Lead Lean, 5S, or similar process-improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Develop SOPs, workflows, and performance metrics to optimize shop and plant operations.
• Evaluate new tools, equipment, and technology that support modernization and productivity.

Customer & Cross-Functional Interaction

• Partner with design, project management, and sales teams to ensure accurate translation of customer needs into production.
• Communicate timelines, production updates, and issue resolutions to internal stakeholders and clients as needed.
• Participate in customer site visits, inspections, and post-project reviews as required.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise production teams, including fabricators, shop technicians, assemblers, and support staff.
• Provide training, coaching, and performance feedback to ensure high-quality work and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 4–10 years of production or manufacturing management experience; custom fabrication or construction environment preferred.
• Strong background in production scheduling, shop/plant operations, and workflow management.
• Experience with inventory control systems and material planning.
• Knowledge of quality management practices, compliance standards, and safety regulations.
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence change, and drive process improvements.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with CAD drawings a plus (ability to interpret design and fabrication specs).
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related certifications a plus.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs