Assistant Production Manager

Company Description

Columbia Woodworking is a custom architectural millwork manufacturing and installation company based in Capitol Heights, MD, known for delivering exceptional craftsmanship and reliability. With a state-of-the-art 70,000 sq. ft. facility, the company handles commercial projects across the mid-Atlantic region, adhering to Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI) standards and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, offering innovative solutions, real-time problem-solving, and expert advice to our partners.

Guided by values such as service excellence, accountability, continuous improvement, and durability, Columbia Woodworking thrives on challenges and consistently delivers quality results.

The Assistant Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations on the shop floor for a custom millwork shop, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship, schedule adherence, and efficient material and labor usage. This role requires hands-on leadership, troubleshooting technical issues, and fostering continuous improvements in workflow, safety, and employee development; as well as working collaboratively within the Operations department.

• Conduct daily reviews with shop employees to review project deadlines, material needs, and technical challenges.
• Review engineering packages for quality control and coordinate with engineering if adjustments are needed for a project and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ensure proper use of materials (e.g. hardwoods, plywood, veneers, laminates, and finishes) to maintain quality and minimize waste
  .
• Ensure
  employees have the necessary tools, materials, and information to meet or recover the production schedule.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and provide support to resolve build and design challenges efficiently.
• Troubleshoot machinery issues (e.g. CNC routers, edge banders, saws, etc.) and assist employees in problem resolution.
• Identify and implement workflow improvements to enhance quality and efficiency and reduce production bottlenecks.

• Maintain high safety standards
  , leading safety meetings and ensuring proper use of machines, saws, sanders, finishing tools, and other millwork equipment to prevent injuries
  .
• Ensure a clean and well-organized shop, workstations, and inventory locations.
• Oversee continuous safety training for all shop employees that includes, but not limited to induction training, toolbox talks, PPE and collaborate with HR to maintain safety documentation, records, and conduct incident investigations.
• Monitor and report quality issues
  , ensuring defects are identified and addressed promptly.
• Lead initiatives to enhance quality control, ensuring finished products meet design and durability expectations.

• Coach employees in cabinetry, custom fabrication and assembly, joinery, and finishing techniques to develop craftsmanship.
• Create and manage training programs for employees.
• Conduct performance management
  , track disciplinary actions, and document results.
• Cross-train employees to ensure adequate coverage and support career growth.

• Foster teamwork within the Operations department, providing excellent service to internal customers.
• Maintain clear and open communication with employees, leadership, and other departments to ensure smooth operations.

• Safety Incident Rate
  :
  Take actions to maintain "0" incidents, sharing learning from near misses, keep employees up to date on safety protocols, and make changes to processes to prevent safety issues.
• Schedule Adherence: Ensure production timelines are met consistently.
• Quality Metrics: Maintain high craftsmanship standards with minimal defects.
• Material Usage: Optimize material efficiency and reduce waste.
• Labor Cost Management: Ensure workforce efficiency while controlling labor expenses.

• Proven experience in a millwork, woodworking, or custom cabinetry shop with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong technical knowledge of wood…