Install Department Manager

Axiom Custom Products•Portland, OR

10d•$90,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Axiom Custom Products, we don’t just build, we bring ideas to life. As a leader in fabrication serving the creative, events, retail, and construction industries, Axiom blends advanced digital manufacturing with decades of hands-on expertise to deliver results that stand apart. From early concept to final installation, our in-house capabilities allow us to execute ambitious visions with precision, creativity, and craftsmanship. We are looking for an Install Department Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and is ready to take ownership of both people and process. In this role, you will be at the center of project execution, leading a team of skilled installers while ensuring every installation meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and professionalism. You will serve as the primary point of contact for the installation team, guiding them through complex projects while fostering growth, accountability, and a strong team culture. Success in this position comes from striking the right balance between leadership and execution. You will mentor and develop your team while also stepping into the field to actively participate in installations and strikes, especially on high-profile projects where attention to detail and client experience are critical. Your ability to advocate for your team while remaining aligned with company goals will directly influence the performance and reputation of the department. Day to day, you will collaborate closely with engineering, shop management, and operations to ensure projects are set up for success long before they reach the job site. You will interpret drawings and specifications, conduct site visits, plan logistics, build schedules, and allocate resources to keep projects on track and within budget. When challenges arise, you will lead from the front, solving problems quickly, communicating clearly, and keeping both your team and stakeholders aligned. This role also calls for a builder of systems and standards. You will establish best practices for installation, improve workflows, and help shape processes that increase efficiency and consistency across projects. From managing tool inventory and coordinating travel logistics to ensuring compliance with safety standards and labor regulations, you will bring structure and discipline to a dynamic and ever-changing environment. This is not a desk-only role. It’s a hybrid of office planning and field execution, requiring flexibility, travel, and a willingness to work nights, weekends, or holidays when projects demand it. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to work on unique, high-impact builds, lead a talented team, and play a key role in shaping how Axiom delivers exceptional work to its clients. If you’re someone who takes pride in building things the right way, leading from the front, and delivering results that exceed expectations, Axiom offers a place where your expertise and leadership can truly make an impact.

Requirements

At least five years of experience managing teams.
Deep, hands-on understanding of wood fabrication and installation methods.
Knowledge of materials (wood, solid surface, plastic, laminates, and metal typically).
Familiarity with tools.
Comfortable reading architectural drawings.
Ability to read building schedules.
Ability to lead teams through complex installs with confidence.
Strong communication skills.
Strong organization skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Experience in design-led industries.
Familiarity with CAD or ERP systems.
Knowledge of labor laws.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of skilled installers, ensuring every installation meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and professionalism.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the installation team, guiding them through complex projects.
Foster growth, accountability, and a strong team culture within the installation department.
Mentor and develop the installation team.
Actively participate in installations and strikes, especially on high-profile projects.
Collaborate with engineering, shop management, and operations to ensure project success.
Interpret drawings and specifications.
Conduct site visits.
Plan logistics.
Build schedules.
Allocate resources to keep projects on track and within budget.
Solve problems quickly and communicate clearly.
Keep the team and stakeholders aligned.
Establish best practices for installation.
Improve workflows and shape processes that increase efficiency and consistency.
Manage tool inventory.
Coordinate travel logistics.
Ensure compliance with safety standards and labor regulations.