Production & Operations Manager (Systems + Growth Leadership)

Location: Richmond, CA | On-Site | Full-Time
Compensation: $95,000- $105,000 + benefits
Benefits: Kaiser medical (employer pays 90%), paid holidays, PTO

About the Company

We are a growing custom fabrication shop specializing in high-end cabinetry and architectural millwork for residential and commercial projects across the Bay Area. Our reputation has been built on craftsmanship, precision, and reliability — and we are now entering a major growth phase as we scale capacity, modernize operations, and elevate how work moves from concept to installation.

We operate in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment where every job is custom, every detail matters, and communication between teams is everything.

What's Happening Now (and Why This Role Matters)

2026 is a major expansion year for us.

We are transitioning from a paper-based workflow into a paperless, highly organized production system using Innergy ERP, with the goal of creating:
cleaner handoffs and written communication between departments
more predictable scheduling and shop flow
increased efficiency and fewer production surprises
stronger accountability and visibility across jobs
better job costing and production planning as we scale

This role is critical because growth doesn't just require more jobs — it requires better systems, better flow, and better leadership.

About the Role

We are hiring a Production & Operations Manager who can lead the production engine of the business while helping implement the systems that will support long-term growth.

This person will act as the bridge between estimating / preconstruction, project management, engineering (Cabinet Vision), and the shop floor execution team.

We are not looking for a clipboard supervisor or someone who manages through pressure and blame. Were looking for someone who can create clarity, structure, and trust — while driving accountability and forward momentum.

This is a role for someone who is energized by building capacity, improving processes, coaching teams, and creating operational excellence in a busy, growing environment.

The Role in Phases (Key to Understanding the Opportunity)

Phase 1: Systems + Workflow Transition (first 60–120 days)

In the beginning, the priority is helping us successfully transition into Innergy ERP and supporting the team through operational change.

You will:
help implement and reinforce Innergy ERP workflows
support training and adoption (especially for shop-floor execution)
ensure work orders, tickets, and workflow stages stay accurate and updated
help convert verbal-only processes into clear written/digital handoffs
identify breakdown points and fix them (before they become expensive)

This phase requires someone who understands change management, understands how production teams work, and can bring structure without disrupting culture.

Phase 2: Own Production Flow + Shop Output (ongoing)

Once systems are stable, you will own the day-to-day production machine.

You will:
run the production schedule and priorities
maintain clear sequencing from engineering through final assembly and staging
create alignment so each station/team knows what matters most each day
remove bottlenecks and anticipate issues before they hit the floor
monitor and elevate quality standards without slowing the shop down

You'll spend most time in the office coordinating and planning, while staying connected to the floor consistently to maintain flow, solve problems, and stay grounded in reality.

Phase 3: Scale the Team + Build Capacity (growth phase)

As we continue to grow, this role becomes one of the most influential positions in the company.

You will partner with ownership to:
identify hiring needs as demand increases
help interview, onboard, coach, and mentor production staff
develop performance expectations and accountability rhythms
support culture: respectful leadership, strong communication, and solutions over blame

This is a leadership role for someone who wants to help build the next version of a high-performing company.

What You'll Be Doing (Core Responsibilities)

Production Leadership + Scheduling
Own and drive daily/weekly production scheduling and prioritization
Ensure work is sequenced correctly based on labor, capacity, and deadlines
Create visibility across what's in progress, what's blocked, and what's next

Cross-Department Communication + Alignment
Create a clean coalition between office departments and the shop floor
Strengthen handoffs from estimating/pre-con PM engineering production
Ensure teams are working from the correct info, at the right time (written, clear, trackable)

Systems Ownership (ERP / Process)
Maintain consistent use of Innergy ERP for production coordination
Establish process discipline that supports speed, accuracy, and growth
Improve job costing visibility and production performance tracking over time

Floor Management + Real-Time Problem Solving
Stay engaged with the floor daily to spot issues early
Troubleshoot production questions quickly and calmly
Balance efficiency with craftsmanship and quality control

Team Development + Accountability
Coach team members to improve performance and consistency
Identify gaps and provide training/reinforcement
Help establish and maintain shop standards, processes, and expectations

Who This Role Is For

We are open to candidates from a variety of production environments — including cabinetry/millwork, fabrication, manufacturing, assembly, specialty trades, or other production operations.

What matters most is that you understand:
how production teams work
how to run schedules and manage workflow
how to implement systems successfully
how to build team capacity as a company grows

You will thrive here if you are:
calm, organized, and respected without needing to be the loudest voice
naturally proactive and future-thinking (you plan 10 steps ahead)
solutions oriented, not blame oriented
energized by growth, change, and improvement

Qualifications

5+ years experience in production operations (custom, manufacturing, fabrication, etc.)
2+ years in a leadership role (lead, supervisor, production coordinator, ops lead, etc.)
Proven ability to drive efficiency and process improvement
Strong communication skills: written + verbal
Comfort with software tools: ERP/workflow systems, email, PDFs, job tracking
Ability to coach, mentor, evaluate performance, and support hiring growth

Bonus Points
ERP implementation experience (Innergy or similar)
Experience working with engineering-to-floor handoffs
Familiarity with high-mix / low-volume production environments

What Success Looks Like

smoother, cleaner coordination from office to shop floor
less rework, fewer surprises, fewer bottlenecks
improved throughput and predictability
teams aligned and operating with clarity
stronger accountability without stress culture
scalable systems that support the company's next growth stage