COO-Custom Cabinet Manufacturer

CCR Search • Chicago, IL

15d

About The Position

About the Company A fast-growing, design-driven U.S. manufacturer specializing in cabinetry and millwork for large-scale residential and commercial projects nationwide is seeking an experienced operational leader. The organization is known for its high-quality, domestically made products; strong collaboration with top developers, contractors, and designers; and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and precision craftsmanship. With a state-of-the-art U.S. manufacturing facility and a track record of delivering expertly engineered products on time and on budget, the company is positioned for significant expansion as demand for scalable, American-made millwork solutions continues to grow. Position Overview The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead all manufacturing, operations, and production activities within the company’s primary manufacturing facility. This executive will oversee machining, finishing, assembly, packaging, logistics, and supply chain functions—ensuring world-class quality, speed, and efficiency. This role requires a hands-on, results-driven manufacturing leader with deep experience in cabinetry, millwork, building materials, engineered wood, or related product categories. The COO will drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, optimize throughput, elevate cost efficiency, and scale operations to support complex, multi-unit project demands across the country.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations, ideally in cabinetry, millwork, building products, engineered wood, or comparable production environments.
• Proven success leading a manufacturing plant or large-scale production facility.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement.
• Strong background in finishing operations, quality systems, materials flow, and high-volume production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to scale operations while maintaining exceptional quality and cost targets.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and modern manufacturing technologies.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering or Operations preferred.

Nice To Haves

• MBA a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across machining, finishing, assembly, and logistics.
• Build and execute an operations roadmap aligned with aggressive growth plans and large-scale project needs.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies across all production lines.
• Own all operational KPIs, including throughput, cycle time, labor efficiency, safety, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Plan and manage capacity expansion, automation initiatives, and operational scalability.
• Serve as the primary leader of the manufacturing facility, overseeing workflow optimization, scheduling, materials flow, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure exceptional finishing operations with rigorous standards for color consistency, surface quality, and defect elimination.
• Optimize CNC machining, cabinet assembly, millwork processes, and packaging protocols.
• Strengthen preventative maintenance programs to reduce downtime and increase reliability.
• Champion a culture of quality from raw materials through final inspection.
• Develop and enforce QC checkpoints, inspection processes, documentation, and corrective-action systems.
• Utilize SPC, value-stream mapping, root-cause analysis, and standardized work processes to improve repeatability and reduce defects, scrap, and waste.
• Lead domestic and international sourcing for materials, hardware, components, and finishes.
• Build and negotiate strong supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective, reliable supply channels.
• Oversee inventory, warehouse operations, and all inbound/outbound logistics in support of multi-unit production schedules.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing workforce including plant managers, supervisors, QC, maintenance, logistics, and supply chain teams.
• Foster an accountable, safety-driven, continuous-improvement culture.
• Enhance training programs in Lean/Six Sigma, equipment operation, safety, and quality standards.
• Partner with Sales, Project Management, Engineering/Design, and Finance to align operational planning with customer timelines, budgets, and production feasibility.
• Contribute to executive-level decision-making and company-wide strategic initiatives.

Benefits

• Lead a pivotal phase of growth: Full ownership of plant performance and the opportunity to shape the operational foundation for nationwide expansion.
• High-impact executive role: Direct influence on strategic direction, operational excellence, and the company’s ability to deliver premium, U.S.-made products at scale.
• Innovation-focused culture: Work within a collaborative environment committed to continuous improvement, sustainability, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge manufacturing processes.
• Meaningful mission: Contribute to the future of American-made cabinetry and millwork, powering the development of communities across the country.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive