Finishing Manager

Apparatus; New York (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

APPARATUS is a New York-based designer and manufacturer of high-end lighting, furniture and objects. The Finishing Manager oversees day-to-day finishing operations, drives continuous improvement, and ensures craft excellence at the Red Hook facility.

This full-time, on-site role leads a finishing team, manages workflows, safety, and quality metrics while partnering with Product, Sales and Client Services to support launches and production excellence.

Qualifications

• 5 years in a comparable manufacturing role; 2+ years in management or supervision.
• Manufacturing knowledge and material familiarity with metal, glass, porcelain, and leather.
• Proven record of attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
• Bachelor’s degree with Industrial Design or Engineering concentration; ERP knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee finishing team operations to meet production and launch commitments; schedule and manage work orders.
• Own department production and quality performance; analyze and report metrics.
• Lead safety, training, and continuous improvement in productivity and quality.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Sales, and Client Services.
• Manage equipment maintenance and implement best practices.

Skills

Production ops

Finishing

Quality control

Safety protocols

Leadership

Problem solving

Reading drawings

Education

Bachelors in ID/Engineering

Tools

ERP

Job description

APPARATUS is a New York-based designer and manufacturer of a distinctive catalog of high-end, high-touch lighting, furniture and objects. We produce both in-house and with the support of high-quality external partners; our catalog is sold globally.

This role oversees day-to-day finishing operations, ensuring exceptional production quality, team performance, and seamless workflow execution. The Finishing Manager drives continuous improvement across people, process, and product while upholding APPARATUS standards of craft and excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Operations and Quality

• Oversee finishing team operations to meet production and launch commitments; schedule and manage work orders with real-time system updates.
• Own department production and quality performance; analyze, act on, and report key metrics.
• Communicate risk, priorities, and solutions in time to mitigate impact.
• Maintain expert-level aesthetic and functional understanding of all active collections, components, and quality parameters.
• Perform quality control inspections; drive root cause analysis from discovery through corrective action.

Team Leadership and Development

• Train, coach, and develop team members to current and future work standards; ensure goals are met.
• Lead by example; promote safety, skill-building, continuous improvement, and excellence in productivity and quality.
• Ensure compliance with company and regulatory safety requirements; lead training.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Maintain clear communication with stakeholders; foster effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Partner with Product on development initiatives; provide technical guidance to Sales and Client Services.
• Support physical inventory audits, ensuring process discipline and accuracy.

Operations and Standards

• Manage, document, and implement operational standards, work instructions, engineering changes, and best practices aligned to business strategy.
• Ensure department is fully equipped; manage equipment maintenance and plan for future needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace in compliance with regulatory and company policies when working with equipment and hazardous materials.
• Perform key department opening and closing duties; support company initiatives as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years in a comparable manufacturing role; 2+ years in management or supervision.
• Manufacturing knowledge and material familiarity with metal, glass, porcelain, and leather. Experience in high-quality lighting or furniture strongly preferred.
• Record of attracting, developing, and retaining talented people.
• Preferred qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with Industrial Design or Engineering concentration. Software: project workflow, 3D modeling and/or ERP.

SKILLS

• Deep understanding of production operations, dependencies, and process design; able to translate business strategy into operational solutions.
• Expert-level cold patina and metal finishing skills; trained in safety protocols, QC methodology, and care and handling standards.
• Highly skilled manual dexterity; proficient with hand tools, hand-applied patination and immersion oxidation systems.
• Ability to perceive color and surface characteristics and quality; highly developed aesthetic detail.
• Qualified to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and specifications.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills; able to motivate, coach, and give effective feedback.
• Analytical problem-solver; proficient with production systems and recordkeeping.
• Adaptable and solutions-oriented; trustworthy with confidential information.
• Physical: routinely lifts up to 30 lbs, works standing, reaches overhead, climbs ladders; compliant with PPE and hazardous material safety policies.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time on-site hours: Monday–Friday between 8:00AM–5:00PM.
• Extended hours and weekend availability as needed.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Annual performance review.

Salary from $80,000

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our APPARATUS PRODUCTION facility in Red Hook. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.