Production Manager – Wood Manufacturing
We are a family-owned wood manufacturing company seeking a hands-on Production Manager to take full accountability for our shop floor operations.
This is a leadership role for someone who prefers being on the floor, solving problems, supporting the team, and keeping production moving.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Continuous Improvement
- Plan, organize, and drive daily production activities to meet customer delivery schedules with absolute accountability for outcomes.
- Actively monitor workflow, cross-training, and machine utilization to maximize labor efficiency and throughput.
- Identify bottlenecks and design, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures where gaps exist.
- Champion a culture of Lean manufacturing, root-cause problem solving, and 5S to aggressively reduce waste, scrap, and rework.
- Partner closely with the Lumber Yard and front office to streamline material staging and information flow, preventing production delays before they happen.
Leadership & Team Development
- Own the talent lifecycle on the floor – recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training a dependable manufacturing team.
- Transition the team to a culture of high performance through clear expectations, ongoing coaching, and constructive performance management.
- Maintain a visible, respectful, and high-integrity leadership presence.
Safety & Quality Assurance
- Maintain an organized, clean, and OSHA-compliant shop floor.
- Spearhead incident investigations and preventative actions.
- Ensure quality standards are deeply understood and rigorously followed by all team members.
Qualifications
Required
- 7+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience (experience in wood manufacturing, millwork, cabinetry is preferred).
- Minimum of 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role with direct accountability for hiring, firing, and team development.
- Demonstrated experience implementing manufacturing systems, improving labor efficiency, or driving Lean/5S initiatives from the ground up.
- Strong ability to read manufacturing drawings/blueprints and comfortably utilize basic computer systems and software.
- A track record of executing effectively in fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environments.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to walk and stand on the production floor for the majority of the shift.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs occasionally.
- Comfortable working in a traditional wood manufacturing environment (dust, noise, seasonal temperature variations).
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health insurance, funded Health Savings Account, and 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
- Paid time off and holidays.
