Fabrication Manager

Fabrication Manager

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.
• 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.