Sample Shop Manager

Location: Miamisburg, OH (HQ)
Department: Product Development / Design
Reports To: Director of Design

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Level: M
Travel: Minimal

The Sample Shop Manager oversees all aspects of prototype fabrication and sample assembly, ensuring high-quality sample builds that support product development and customer line reviews. This role bridges engineering, product design, and production teams, and leads the sample shop team in delivering accurate, on‑time prototype work. The ideal candidate has a background in manufacturing operations, mechanical systems, or bicycle assembly, and a strong understanding of workshop management.

Great products start with great prototypes. The sample shop is where Covation Global’s designs become physical, testable bikes — and where customer line reviews and product decisions are won or lost on the quality and timeliness of the builds. The Sample Shop Manager is the leader who makes that happen: high‑quality samples delivered on time, a well‑run and safe shop, and a team that operates efficiently and resourcefully.

Without this role, sample quality and timelines slip and product development loses momentum.

• High-Quality Samples, Delivered On Time: Prototype and sample builds are accurate, complete, and ready ahead of project milestones and customer line reviews. Design, engineering, and product teams can rely on the shop to deliver quality builds when they need them.
• A Safe, Well-Run Shop: The sample shop is safe, compliant (OSHA and environmental), and well‑organized. Tools, fixtures, and inventory are managed tightly, and safety is part of the culture.
• Efficient, Resourceful Operations: The shop runs within budget and the team continually finds smarter, more sustainable ways to operate — including reclaiming value from end‑of‑life bikes and parts and reinvesting it in the team.

Other duties may be assigned.

• Oversee daily operations of the sample and prototype shop, ensuring equipment readiness and adherence to safety standards.
• Collaborate with product development, design, and engineering teams to fabricate, modify, and assemble prototype bicycles, frames, and components.
• Maintain inventory of tools, fixtures, raw materials, and consumables.
• Manage sample timelines to align with project milestones.
• Ensure quality control and documentation of all prototype builds.
• Coordinate with suppliers for special materials, machining, and outsourced fabrication needs.
• Manage the responsible disposal and recycling of obsolete samples, bikes, and parts — including reclaiming metal scrap value and reinvesting proceeds into team engagement initiatives.
• Train and supervise sample shop technicians, assemblers, and other support staff.
• Assign, prioritize, and delegate tasks to direct reports, balancing workload to meet project deadlines.
• Coach and develop team members, managing performance and day‑to‑day direction.

• Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement an annual budget plan for the sample shop, ensuring effective maintenance and adherence throughout the year.
• Track expenditures, control costs, and identify opportunities for operational efficiency.
• Support capital planning for new equipment purchases.

Yes. This role supervises sample shop technicians, assemblers, and support staff — including the Lead Sample Shop Technician — and is responsible for assigning tasks, training, performance, and day‑to‑day direction.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years in workshop, fabrication, or sample shop management — preferably in the cycling, sporting goods, or light manufacturing industry.
• Experience managing teams.
• Hands‑on mechanical or technical skills (bike assembly, machining, welding, or fabrication experience preferred).
• Proven analytical and organizational skills; capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.