Assistant Production Manager

Columbia Woodworking; Capitol Heights (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Performance-based bonuses

Health, dental, 401k

Paid time off

Job summary

Columbia Woodworking, a Capitol Heights, MD based custom millwork shop, is seeking an Assistant Production Manager to oversee daily shop floor operations, ensure high craftsmanship, and optimize material and labor use. The role requires hands-on leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration within the Operations department.

The ideal candidate will guide safety, training, and continuous workflow improvements while maintaining schedule adherence and quality standards across projects.

Qualifications

• Experience leading in a millwork, woodworking, or cabinetry shop.
• Strong knowledge of wood materials, joinery, and finishing.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting CNC machines and millwork equipment.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of workplace safety regulations and quality control processes.
• OSHA 30 certification and First Aid/CPR knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shop floor reviews with crew to meet deadlines.
• Review engineering packages for quality and coordinate adjustments.
• Ensure proper use of materials to maintain quality and minimize waste.
• Provide tools, materials, and information to meet production schedule.
• Troubleshoot technical and machinery issues on site.
• Implement workflow improvements to boost quality and efficiency.
• Coach employees in cabinetry and finishing techniques.

Skills

Leadership

Wood materials

Joinery

Finishing techniques

Communication

Multitasking

Safety knowledge

OSHA 30

Education

OSHA 30 certification

Tools

CNC machines

Molders

Planers

Job description

Company Description

Columbia Woodworking is a custom architectural millwork manufacturing and installation company based in Capitol Heights, MD, known for delivering exceptional craftsmanship and reliability. With a state-of-the-art 70,000 sq. ft. facility, the company handles commercial projects across the mid-Atlantic region, adhering to Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI) standards and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, offering innovative solutions, real-time problem-solving, and expert advice to our partners. Guided by values such as service excellence, accountability, continuous improvement, and durability, Columbia Woodworking thrives on challenges and consistently delivers quality results.

Job Summary

The Assistant Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations on the shop floor for a custom millwork shop, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship, schedule adherence, and efficient material and labor usage. This role requires hands-on leadership, troubleshooting technical issues, and fostering continuous improvements in workflow, safety, and employee development; as well as working collaboratively within the Operations department.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Conduct daily reviews with shop employees to review project deadlines, material needs, and technical challenges.
• Review engineering packages for quality control and coordinate with engineering if adjustments are needed for a project and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ensure proper use of materials (e.g. hardwoods, plywood, veneers, laminates, and finishes) to maintain quality and minimize waste.
• Ensure employees have the necessary tools, materials, and information to meet or recover the production schedule.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and provide support to resolve build and design challenges efficiently.
• Troubleshoot machinery issues (e.g. CNC routers, edge banders, saws, etc.) and assist employees in problem resolution.
• Identify and implement workflow improvements to enhance quality and efficiency and reduce production bottlenecks.

Quality Control & Safety Compliance

• Maintain high safety standards, leading safety meetings and ensuring proper use of machines, saws, sanders, finishing tools, and other millwork equipment to prevent injuries.
• Ensure a clean and well-organized shop, workstations, and inventory locations.
• Oversee continuous safety training for all shop employees that includes, but not limited to induction training, toolbox talks, PPE and collaborate with HR to maintain safety documentation, records, and conduct incident investigations.
• Monitor and report quality issues, ensuring defects are identified and addressed promptly.
• Lead initiatives to enhance quality control, ensuring finished products meet design and durability expectations.

Team Development & Performance Management

• Coach employees in cabinetry, custom fabrication and assembly, joinery, and finishing techniques to develop craftsmanship.
• Create and manage training programs for employees.
• Conduct performance management, track disciplinary actions, and document results.
• Cross-train employees to ensure adequate coverage and support career growth.

Collaboration & Communication

• Foster teamwork within the Operations department, providing excellent service to internal customers.
• Maintain clear and open communication with employees, leadership, and other departments to ensure smooth operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Safety Incident Rate: Take actions to maintain "0" incidents, sharing learning from near misses, keep employees up to date on safety protocols, and make changes to processes to prevent safety issues.
• Schedule Adherence: Ensure production timelines are met consistently.
• Quality Metrics: Maintain high craftsmanship standards with minimal defects.
• Material Usage: Optimize material efficiency and reduce waste.
• Labor Cost Management: Ensure workforce efficiency while controlling labor expenses.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Proven experience in a millwork, woodworking, or custom cabinetry shop with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong technical knowledge of wood materials, joinery methods, and finishing techniques.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting CNC machines, molders, planers, and other millwork equipment.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities to coach and develop a team.
• Knowledge of workplace safety regulations and quality control processes.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and adapt to changing project demands.
• OSHA 30 certified, and knowledgeable on First Aid & CPR.

Why Join?

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: We offer a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive benefits (health, dental, 401k), and paid time off.
• Career Growth & Leadership Opportunities: Take on a pivotal role in a high growth company looking to expand and build out the team.
• Legacy of Excellence: Join a company with an outstanding reputation for quality and craftsmanship spanning five decades.
• Cutting-Edge Innovation: Be part of a team that is embarking on investments in the latest technology, automation, and sustainable building practices.
• Collaborative & Supportive Culture: Work with a passionate, creative team dedicated to excellence and client satisfaction.
• Impactful Work: Contribute to the creation of stunning, high-end commercial spaces that leave a lasting impression.

Pay

$95,000 - $130,000 / annually

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.