Fabrication Lead / Shop Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About the Job

As a Fabrication Lead / Shop Manager at Bengston Millwork, you'll play a key role in leading a small, highly skilled team of craftspeople producing exceptional custom furniture, architectural millwork, cabinetry, retail displays, and specialty fabrication projects. As a close-knit team of fewer than 10 employees, everyone contributes beyond their primary role, and this position is central to keeping projects organized, the shop running efficiently, and our standards of craftsmanship consistently high.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced fabricator who enjoys both making things and helping others succeed. You'll work closely with the Owner, project managers, and fabrication team to coordinate daily shop activities, solve production challenges, maintain quality standards, and continuously improve the way we work.

The ideal candidate is someone who takes ownership, communicates clearly, and enjoys creating a well-organized, efficient, and collaborative shop environment. You should be comfortable leading by example—jumping in on the floor when needed, helping train team members, and finding practical solutions to keep projects moving forward.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day fabrication operations, helping allocate labor, materials, equipment, and workspace to keep projects moving efficiently.
• Work closely with the Owner and project team to implement and maintain shop standards, processes, and best practices.
• Act as a bridge between the office and fabrication team, helping resolve drawing questions, production challenges, and project-specific issues.
• Review drawings, project details, and fabrication requirements to help ensure the team has the information needed to successfully execute each project.
• Lead quality control efforts by establishing clear expectations, inspecting work in progress, and helping ensure completed parts meet Bengston Millwork's standards.
• Train, mentor, and integrate new fabrication team members while helping them develop strong woodworking and fabrication skills.
• Participate in hiring efforts, including interviewing candidates and identifying team members who fit our culture and standards.
• Serve as Lead Fabricator on projects when needed, contributing directly to fabrication, assembly, punch lists, and shop improvements.
• Participate in project release meetings to provide fabrication insight, identify potential challenges, and help plan resources required for successful execution.
• Help improve shop organization, workflow, material usage, and overall efficiency.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment where the team can focus on producing high-quality work.
• Support a wide range of projects including custom furniture, architectural millwork, retail displays, and specialty fabrication.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in custom woodworking, cabinetmaking, furniture fabrication, architectural millwork, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of woodworking techniques, fabrication processes, and shop workflows.
• Experience leading or mentoring a team of fabricators or craftspeople.
• Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, architectural drawings, and project documentation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage shifting priorities in a custom fabrication environment.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions independently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with owners, project managers, fabricators, vendors, and clients.
• Self-directed work style with a willingness to identify improvements and take ownership of outcomes.
• Commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Ability to safely lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds and perform the physical requirements of a fabrication environment.
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to contribute wherever needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a small fabrication team or production department.
• Experience training new employees in woodworking, fabrication, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with custom furniture, architectural millwork, retail displays, or scenic fabrication.
• Familiarity with CNC fabrication, digital fabrication workflows, or other modern manufacturing processes.
• Experience improving shop layouts, production workflows, or fabrication systems.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

About Bengston Millwork

Bengston Millwork is a custom fabrication shop specializing in architectural millwork, high-end furniture, cabinetry, retail displays, and specialty environments. We partner with architects, designers, agencies, contractors, and brands to bring unique concepts to life through exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful execution.

As a small team, every employee has a meaningful impact on the work we produce. We value collaboration, craftsmanship, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Our projects range from finely crafted furniture and architectural woodwork to custom retail displays and experiential installations, giving our team the opportunity to work on a wide variety of interesting and rewarding projects.

If you enjoy building things, solving complex fabrication challenges, mentoring others, and helping create a better way of working, this is an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on both the projects we produce and the future of Bengston Millwork.