Woodshop Manager

At Fortner, we build commercial-grade custom furniture for spaces all over the country. Right from our shop in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1929, our family-owned business is committed to bringing you the best in quality & service. Four generations deep, but the same core values since day one:
Real Furniture, Good People, Focused on You.

We're looking for a Woodshop Manager who enjoys balancing leadership with hands-on woodworking. You'll oversee a team of skilled woodworkers while ensuring every custom frame, cabinet, and millwork component meets Fortner's high standards for quality, precision, and craftsmanship.

As our Woodshop Manager, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the woodshop, ensuring projects stay on schedule and meet quality expectations.
• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of approximately five woodshop employees.
• Build and oversee the production of custom furniture frames, seating components, and architectural millwork.
• Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and production documents to ensure accurate fabrication.
• Partner closely with project managers, engineering, upholstery, and installation teams to solve production challenges and keep projects moving.
• Inspect completed work for structural integrity, fit, finish, and readiness for the next stage of production.
• Oversee shop equipment, including CNC routers, table saws, vertical saws, routers, sanders, and other woodworking machinery.
• Help maintain equipment, coordinate maintenance when needed, and monitor material inventory.
• Maintain a safe, organized, OSHA-compliant work environment.

We're looking for someone who combines craftsmanship with leadership.

You may be a great fit if you have:

• 5-7+ years of woodworking, cabinet making, custom millwork, or furniture manufacturing experience.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a woodworking team.
• Experience in custom manufacturing where every project is different—not repetitive production work.
• The ability to read blueprints, shop drawings, and CAD-based designs.
• Strong knowledge of woodworking equipment, building techniques, and materials.
• Experience with CNC machinery (troubleshooting is a plus, but not required).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and coaching skills.
• A commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

We'll be especially excited if you have experience with:

• Custom cabinetry or architectural millwork
• Fine woodworking and finish-quality craftsmanship
• Sketch Up or similar drawing software
• ERP or production management software
• Furniture installation or knowledge of installation processes
• Custom commercial furniture manufacturing

Fortner is seeking someone with an eye for detail that comes from cabinetry or fine millwork, since the role supports both upholstered furniture production and high-end architectural woodwork. The position is primarily leadership-focused but remains hands-on in the shop as needed.

• Competitive salary package commensurate with education, industry or relevant experience
• Opportunities for profit sharing based upon company wide performance
• Medical insurance packages, short-term disability insurance, PTO, IRA plan with match.
• Company support for continued education and/or professional development

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM