Overview
At One Hat One Hand, we design, fabricate, and install unique works of art-the shop is where it all comes to life. Our clientele comprises corporate partners, architecture/interior design firms, artists, and public arts commissions.
We're seeking a Fabrication Manager in our woodshop with a skill set beyond that of a skilled builder or foreperson. This leadership role requires someone who can lead with clarity, build systems, and elevate both people and processes in a dynamic, high-accountability environment.
This position oversees daily shop operations and helps shape a shop culture rooted in quality, care, and efficiency. If you thrive under pressure, can rally a team together, and can see ten steps ahead while staying grounded in daily operations, this role is for you.
Who You Are
- You're a craftsman with a coach's mentality.
- You have 10+ years working in millworks, cabinetry or similar fabrication field
- You can read the room, hold high expectations, and lead a team through hard days without losing sight of company level objectives.
- You're a systems thinker-organized, forward-thinking, and naturally inclined to streamline, delegate, and follow through.
- You care deeply about the culture of the shop-how people show up, how tools are treated, how the space feels, and how standards are upheld.
Key Responsibilities
Production Workflows & Leadership
- Lead, schedule, and supervise the daily operations of the shop.
- Assign daily tasks based on production timelines and skill levels, ensuring staff are set up for success.
- Track time and progress across all active builds, ensuring accountability and productivity are maintained.
Team Leadership & Culture
- Set the tone for professionalism, safety, and excellence in the shop.
- Lead crews through tight deadlines and shifting priorities without losing morale.
- Mentor, train, and guide general fabricators-helping junior staff level up and senior staff stay sharp.
- Handle interpersonal tensions with maturity and clear communication.
Process Improvement & Shop Systems
- Develop and maintain shop systems that support efficient, repeatable outcomes.
- Enforce best practices in material storage, tool use, and general workspace upkeep.
- Participate in post-project reviews and continuous improvement planning.
Cross-Department Collaboration
- Work closely with Production Managers, Designers, and PMs to translate designs into buildable products.
- Participate in design reviews, offering insights from the shop floor to inform better design choices.
Quality Control & Problem Solving
- Be the last line of defense on quality.
- Troubleshoot technical issues in real-time and maintain a solutions-first attitude.
- Elevate build quality, tool accuracy, and material choices across the shop.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain OSHA standards, shop safety protocols, and a clean work environment.
Ensure proper use of PPE and reinforce break schedules, especially during long shifts.
- Lead by example when it comes to physical safety and mental clarity under pressure.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Master-level skills in carpentry, woodworking, and wood-based fabrication.
- Strong knowledge of wood species, engineered products, adhesives, fasteners, and finishes.
- Experienced in fabrication process design for a team.
- Proven ability to lead and coach a crew; strong communication and follow-through.
- Emotionally intelligent: calm under pressure, good at reading people, and able to give/receive feedback constructively.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting shop drawings and DFM drawings.
- Familiarity with LEAN principles and Six-Sigma (formal training is a plus).
- Comfortable using (or learning) Rhino, Solidworks, V-Carve, and other digital fabrication tools primarily for viewing purposes.
- Experience with digital fabrication techniques (CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing)
General Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in fabrication or construction; 5+ in a supervisory or leadership role.
- High school diploma or GED required; trade certification or technical school preferred.
- Must be 25+ years old with a valid Class B CA driver's license.
- No DUI charges in the past 5 years, and no more than 2 points on license.
- OSHA 30 required - for General Industry/Manufacturing preferred, for Construction acceptable
- Willingness to travel for installs and work extended hours when needed.
Physical Expectations
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs, climb ladders, crouch, kneel, and handle tools for extended periods.
- Comfortable working in loud, dusty, or varying temperature environments.
- Ability to maintain energy and focus during long install or strike days.
What You'll Influence
- The culture of our organization
- The safety, growth, and unity our fabrication team.
- The integrity and excellence of everything that leaves our shop.
This Role Isn't For You If:
- You're a great individual contributor but don't enjoy leading others.
- You avoid difficult conversations.
- You need a rigid, top-down environment to feel successful.
- You're not excited about systems and process development.
But It Might Be Your Dream Role If:
- You love leading with purpose and helping others step into their best work.
- You want to co-create a shop environment that's highly efficient, collaborative, and respected.
- You enjoy solving real-world problems and helping build truly standout work.
To apply for this position please follow the link below
https://onehatonehand.bamboohr.com/careers/68
