Fabrication Manager

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.