Woodshop Manager

Job Description

Job Description

At Fortner, we build commercial-grade custom furniture for spaces all over the country. Right from our shop in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1929, our family-owned business is committed to bringing you the best in quality & service. Four generations deep, but the same core values since day one: Real Furniture, Good People, Focused on You.

We're looking for a Woodshop Manager who enjoys balancing leadership with hands-on woodworking. You'll oversee a team of skilled woodworkers while ensuring every custom frame, cabinet, and millwork component meets Fortner's high standards for quality, precision, and craftsmanship.

Role and Responsibilities

As our Woodshop Manager, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the woodshop, ensuring projects stay on schedule and meet quality expectations.
• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of approximately five woodshop employees.
• Build and oversee the production of custom furniture frames, seating components, and architectural millwork.
• Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and production documents to ensure accurate fabrication.
• Partner closely with project managers, engineering, upholstery, and installation teams to solve production challenges and keep projects moving.
• Inspect completed work for structural integrity, fit, finish, and readiness for the next stage of production.
• Oversee shop equipment, including CNC routers, table saws, vertical saws, routers, sanders, and other woodworking machinery.
• Help maintain equipment, coordinate maintenance when needed, and monitor material inventory.
• Maintain a safe, organized, OSHA-compliant work environment. 

Skills & Qualifications

We're looking for someone who combines craftsmanship with leadership.

You may be a great fit if you have:

• 5-7+ years of woodworking, cabinet making, custom millwork, or furniture manufacturing experience.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a woodworking team.
• Experience in custom manufacturing where every project is different—not repetitive production work.
• The ability to read blueprints, shop drawings, and CAD-based designs.
• Strong knowledge of woodworking equipment, building techniques, and materials.
• Experience with CNC machinery (troubleshooting is a plus, but not required).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and coaching skills.
• A commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. 

We'll be especially excited if you have experience with:

• Custom cabinetry or architectural millwork
• Fine woodworking and finish-quality craftsmanship
• SketchUp or similar drawing software
• ERP or production management software
• Furniture installation or knowledge of installation processes
• Custom commercial furniture manufacturing

Fortner is seeking someone with an eye for detail that comes from cabinetry or fine millwork, since the role supports both upholstered furniture production and high-end architectural woodwork. The position is primarily leadership-focused but remains hands-on in the shop as needed. 

Benefits include the following:

• Competitive salary package commensurate with education, industry or relevant experience
• Opportunities for profit sharing based upon companywide performance
• Medical insurance packages, short-term disability insurance, PTO, IRA plan with match.
• Company support for continued education and/or professional development

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

PAY RANGE

$55,000 - $75,000 / year