A Production Plant Foreman works with the Plant Manager or Supervisor in scheduling the activities of the employees and team leaders. Meets regularly with the team leaders to communicate anticipated production sequences, to discuss potential production problems, and to provide opportunity for input on improvement of work processes and work flow. Assist in assuring quality and safety of production procedures.
Job Overview We are seeking a hands-on, shop floor Woodworking Operations Manager to lead daily production for our custom, high-end musical instruments. This is not a desk job or a corporate management role. We are looking for a builder and leader who thrives on the shop floor, excels in small batch/custom manufacturing, and enjoys building processes from the ground up rather than just managing an existing operation. This is a hands-on, plant-floor leadership role. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing standard operating procedures to ensure all production runs are executed efficiently, profitably, and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities Shop Floor Leadership:
Spend 70% of your day actively on the shop floor, directing workflow and troubleshooting technical woodworking challenges alongside craftspeople.
Process Creation:
Design, document, and roll out standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality checkpoints, and daily schedules where systems do not currently exist.
Agile Small-Scale Production:
Manage short production runs and highly customized builds without relying on large corporate automated systems or heavy administrative support.
Cross-Functional Coordination:
Manage and align drafting, engineering, R&D, scheduling, and quality control (QC).
Ownership Collaboration:
Work closely with company owners on operational needs, strategic priorities, and performance goals.
Culture & Morale:
Actively contribute to a supportive, positive company morale in our family-oriented work environment.
5+ years of operational leadership specifically in custom, high-precision wood fabrication, fine woodworking, or small-batch artisanal manufacturing (cabinetry, millwork, furniture, or lutherie).
Process Building Experience:
Proven track record of creating and implementing brand new shop processes, inventory controls, and quality standards in an entrepreneurial or small business environment.
Physical Floor Presence:
Demonstrated desire to lead from the floor, roll up your sleeves, and directly engage with materials and machinery daily.
Experience:
Proven track record in operations management, ideally within manufacturing, wood fabrication, or a related custom production field.
Technical Savvy:
Strong computer proficiency is required to effectively operate, adapt, and develop the systems necessary to support daily operations.
Mindset:
A highly positive, solutions-oriented attitude with natural leadership capabilities.
Skillset:
Exceptional organizational skills with a sharp eye for process efficiency and quality control. What We Offer The chance to lead in a growing company with deep roots in fine craftsmanship. A direct line of communication and collaboration with company ownership. A positive, tight-knit, and family-oriented workplace culture.
Pay:
$80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have at least five years of experience in creative or artistic manufacturing? Have you managed a group of at least 8 people? Do you have experience in family-owned, smaller companies? Do you live within 100 miles of Johnson City, TN? Is occasional business travel acceptable? Do you have strong computer proficiency to effectively operate and develop systems necessary to accomplish assigned tasks and support daily operations?
