A Production Plant Manager directs work and resources needed for a manufacturing production process. Plans and manages production work that meets cost, quality and quantity specifications for a company or project.
Studio Manager, Makers At Sarah Cornwell Jewelry, every piece that leaves our studio is a reflection of our craft, our standards, and our story. The Production Manager is the person who makes sure that happens — every day, at scale, without sacrificing quality. This is a senior operational role that sits at the heart of our business, connecting the creative vision of our design team to the hands-on work of our makers, and the output of our studio to the goals of our back office. You will own the full manufacturing lifecycle — from planning and sourcing to quality control and team leadership — and serve as the primary bridge between production and the rest of the SCJ team. The maker studio is your primary home base — you lead from the floor, not from behind a desk. This role is right for someone who has deep respect for handcrafted work, a systems-oriented mind, and the leadership presence to hold a team accountable while keeping them inspired. Key Responsibilities Production Scheduling Create and manage production calendars for completed pieces and full collections Clearly identify and communicate deadlines across the maker team, design team, and back office Manage a 4-6 week manufacturing timeline while planning collections 3-6 months in advance Manage production quantities based on season, collection size, sales goals, and available resources Anticipate capacity constraints and proactively communicate adjustments to leadership Quality Control & Craftsmanship Uphold SCJ product standards across all jewelry production processes Implement repeatable, scalable quality control processes that don't rely on a single person's judgment Workflow Optimization Identify bottlenecks in production and implement process improvements that increase output without sacrificing quality Create and oversee standardized workflow management tools for both custom orders and recurring collection launches Cost Management Control production costs by identifying waste, improving efficiency, and negotiating with vendors Track materials pricing and flag significant changes that affect margins or budgets Inventory & Sourcing Manage inventory of metals, findings, pearls, and gemstones — ensuring materials are available when production needs them Own the full sourcing lifecycle: identifying suppliers, negotiating terms, placing orders, and managing returns of unused or damaged materials Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure quality materials at competitive pricing Team Leadership Directly manage the Studio Manager and maker team — you are responsible for the output, development, and culture of the production floor Recruit, train, mentor, and support makers and bench workers in collaboration with the Studio Manager Define roles clearly and communicate expectations — every team member should know what success looks like Champion continued education in design and production techniques — help your team grow as craftspeople Cross-Team Communication Serve as the primary communication link between the production team and the back office — translating operational realities into clear updates for leadership Participate in weekly planning meetings; proactively surface needs, risks, and opportunities Who You Are A systems thinker who can see the whole operation and design processes that hold up under pressure A confident, warm leader who earns respect by knowing the craft and leading by example Highly organized with strong attention to detail — you manage multiple timelines without dropping the ball A clear, proactive communicator who keeps leadership informed and the team aligned Comfortable owning a budget and making data-informed decisions about cost and capacity Energized by a growing, entrepreneurial environment where your work directly shapes the business Qualifications 1-2 years of experience in jewelry production, artisan manufacturing, or a closely related handcrafted goods environment — we will consider candidates earlier in their career who demonstrate strong leadership potential and deep craft knowledge Prior experience leading, mentoring, or managing a team — formal title not required, but you've held people accountable and helped them grow Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar) — this is our primary operating platform Experience with Shopify a plus but not required Experience with production planning, scheduling software, or workflow management tools Strong vendor relationship and negotiation skills Experience working in a small business or scaling company preferred — you know how to build systems that are right-sized, not over-built
