Production Manager

About the role

California Closets is seeking an experienced and hands-on Production Manager to lead and oversee all manufacturing and production operations within our custom storage and closet manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely production of custom closet and storage components while maintaining the highest standards of quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

The Production Manager will provide leadership for shop personnel, CNC operations, production scheduling, workflow management, inventory control, vendor relationships, and select field operations. This individual will drive continuous improvement initiatives, maintain operational excellence, and ensure all projects are produced and delivered on schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production & Manufacturing Leadership

• Direct and oversee daily manufacturing operations for custom closet, garage, home office, pantry, media center, and specialty storage products.
• Manage production schedules to ensure jobs are manufactured accurately and completed on time.
• Monitor workflow from design release through production, staging, loading, and installation preparation.
• Ensure CNC machines, edge banders, saws, and other production equipment are utilized effectively and maintained properly.
• Analyze production capacity and staffing requirements to meet business demands.
• Implement and improve production processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.

Team Leadership & Employee Management

• Supervise, coach, train, and develop shop technicians and production personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and accountability.
• Establish daily production priorities and assign work accordingly.
• Promote a positive, team-oriented culture focused on safety, quality, and productivity.
• Partner with Human Resources regarding recruitment, performance management, corrective actions, and employee development.

Quality Control

• Ensure products meet California Closets quality standards and design specifications.
• Develop and implement quality assurance procedures throughout the production process.
• Investigate production errors and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to quality, accuracy, efficiency, and rework.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with material suppliers, hardware vendors, and service providers.
• Coordinate ordering and inventory levels to maintain uninterrupted production.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and service expectations when appropriate.
• Monitor vendor performance and address supply-chain challenges proactively.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all production functions.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend operational improvements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and profitability.
• Utilize production data and metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Logistics & Field Operations

• Oversee staging and loading of completed jobs into delivery and installation vehicles.
• Coordinate effectively with installation teams and field personnel to support successful project execution.
• Assist with resolving production or field-related challenges impacting customer satisfaction.
• Ensure completed jobs are properly packaged, labeled, and prepared for transport.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a culture of workplace safety throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Ensure compliance with all OSHA, company, and local safety regulations.
• Conduct safety meetings, inspections, and training programs.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• 5+ years of manufacturing, production, or operations management experience.
• 3+ years of direct supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience managing production schedules, workflow, and employee performance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and continuous improvement principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and achieve operational goals.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.
• Ability to read production drawings, specifications, and work orders.
• Candidate must be able to effectively communicate in both English and Spanish with customers, vendors, and team members.

Preferred

• Experience in custom cabinetry, woodworking, architectural millwork, closets, furniture manufacturing, or similar industries.
• Experience operating or managing CNC machinery and automated production equipment.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training.
• Forklift certification or experience managing warehouse and logistics operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk the production floor for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, dust, and warehouse conditions.
• Ability to occasionally travel to installation sites, field locations, and vendor facilities.

Additional Information: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time production completion
• Manufacturing throughput and efficiency
• Product quality and reduction of rework
• Labor utilization and productivity
• Safety performance and incident reduction
• Inventory accuracy
• Customer satisfaction and installation readiness
• Vendor performance and material availability

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 annually
• Quarterly performance bonus based on operational, quality, safety, and profitability objectives
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays
• 401(k) with company match (if applicable)
• Professional development and advancement opportunities