A Purchasing Manager manages the purchasing of supplies for a company or organization. Develops policies and schedules for regular procurements. Trains and supervises staff, develops relationships with suppliers, researches and inspects supplies, and negotiates supply and shipping prices.
MadeFirst is a full-service creative design and fabrication company with facilities in Nashville, Tennessee, Los Angeles, California, and Long Island City, New York. We provide our customers with superior service and quality craftsmanship at competitive prices. Our diverse client and project bases regularly challenge us to create cost-effective methods of planning and fabrication. It is our innovation, attention to detail and dedication to our clients that makes MadeFirst the right partner for creative endeavors. Join us as a Fabrication Production Manager to lead innovative manufacturing processes that deliver exceptional products while fostering a culture of continuous improvement! Overview We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead and oversee all fabrication operations at our custom fabrication shop. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing the full fabrication cycle — from procurement and scheduling through quality control and final delivery. Key Responsibilities Assist Purchasing Agent in
Purchasing & Procurement:
Source and manage materials, components, and supplies required for fabrication; maintain vendor relationships and negotiate pricing to meet project budgets and timelines.
Scheduling:
Plan and coordinate fabrication workflows and delivery schedules to ensure on-time completion of all projects; adjust priorities in response to field demands and project changes.
Fabrication Quality Control:
Establish and enforce quality standards across all shop production; inspect finished assemblies to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, industry codes, and safety requirements.
Work Flow Operations:
Oversee and perform shop operations as needed; ensure proper techniques, procedures, and certifications are maintained within the shop.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with project managers and field crews to align fabrication output with project timelines, resolve technical issues, and support successful installations. Qualifications 5+ years of experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment, preferably in scenic shop, custom fabrication, event production and planning At least 3 years of project management experience in event production, experiential marketing, or related industries. Strong understanding of fabrication materials, tolerances, and quality standards Experience with purchasing, vendor management, and inventory control Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to coordinate across departments Ability to view models or read blueprints Strong organizational and communication skills. Familiarity w/ G Suite, slack, and Airtable Ability to manage budgets up to $500k and track expenses accurately. Ability to oversee installations/load-ins and manage strikes efficiently. Knowledge of various wood, plastics, fabrics, electronics and other scenic materials Responsibilities Lead and coordinate daily fabrication production activities to meet quality standards, delivery schedules, and safety requirements. Manage supply chain logistics, including procurement, inventory control, and materials planning to ensure seamless operations. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, waste reduction, and quality enhancement across the plant. Oversee quality control procedures to maintain high standards of product integrity and compliance with industry regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on process improvement projects, leveraging supply chain analytics and manufacturing management best practices.
