Finishing Manager

APPARATUS; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

APPARATUS, a New York-based designer and manufacturer of high-end lighting, furniture and objects, seeks a Finishing Manager to oversee day-to-day finishing operations and uphold craft standards.

You will lead and develop the finishing team, drive quality improvements, manage workflows, and collaborate with Product, Sales and Client Services to ensure exceptional finished products. This is a full-time, on-site role at our Red Hook facility.

Qualifications

• 5 years in a comparable manufacturing role with supervision.
• Experience in finishing metals, glass, porcelain, and leather is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Oversee finishing team operations to meet production and launch commitments.
• Own department production and quality performance; analyze, act on, and report metrics.
• Communicate risk, priorities, and solutions to mitigate impact.
• Train, coach, and develop team members; promote safety and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Product, Sales and Client Services for execution.
• Maintain standards, equipment readiness, and workflow efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Quality control

Process improvement

Safety compliance

Manufacturing knowledge

Team development

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or Engineering

Tools

3D modeling

ERP

Project workflow software

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.

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.