Product Manager I

California Closets•Poway, CA

7d•$30 - $35

About The Position

The Product Manager I partners with Design, Production, and Installation teams to ensure custom storage projects are accurately reviewed, released, and managed throughout the production lifecycle. The role validates project details, supports designers, coordinates with vendors, tracks changes, and proactively addresses issues so projects are completed accurately, on time, and to California Closets standards. It also supports a seamless customer experience by maintaining project accuracy and facilitating communication from design approval through production and installation. The Product Manager reviews designs and production documentation, uses CAD software to verify project details, manages schedules and revisions, and tracks progress through manufacturing and installation. The position serves as a primary product-management resource for assigned designers, coordinates daily with installers, production teams, vendors, and other stakeholders, and takes ownership of issue resolution and project communication. It also contributes to coaching, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in project coordination, production planning, manufacturing, construction, custom cabinetry, millwork, closets, home improvement, or a related industry.
Proficiency in CAD software and ability to interpret technical drawings, floor plans, elevations, and production documentation.
Strong understanding of measurement verification, construction principles, product specifications, and installation requirements.
Ability to identify design inconsistencies, production concerns, and installation challenges before project release.
Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple projects.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including prioritizing work in a fast-paced environment.
Experience coordinating across departments and maintaining effective relationships with internal teams and external vendors.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
Ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned projects, and follow through to completion.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; ability to travel to customer homes, job sites, manufacturing facilities, and vendor locations as needed.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to visually inspect plans, measurements, product specifications, and production documents with a high degree of accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the custom closet, cabinetry, millwork, furniture manufacturing, or home organization industry.
Previous experience with California Closets products, processes, or CAD design systems.
Familiarity with production scheduling, manufacturing workflows, inventory management, and vendor coordination.
Experience supporting field installation teams and resolving job-site issues.
Knowledge of residential construction methods, building materials, and finish carpentry practices.
Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.

Responsibilities

Review assigned projects before production release to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, installation readiness, and compliance with company standards.
Use CAD software to verify dimensions, product specifications, materials, hardware selections, and overall design integrity.
Identify missing information, design discrepancies, measurement concerns, and potential production or installation challenges; work with designers to correct them.
Ensure production documentation is complete, accurate, and ready for production, and maintain a minimum 97% PM success rate.
Prioritize and process projects within the established production timeline and 8–10 week planning window; monitor schedules and aim to meet the required 5-week production window whenever possible.
Communicate potential delays, special-order impacts, and production constraints before they affect installation schedules.
Release approved projects to production, monitor manufacturing progress, and track status from design completion through installation.
Serve as the primary Product Management resource for an assigned group of designers and facilitate complexity review meetings.
Guide designers on products, construction methods, measurements, installation requirements, and design functionality; use reviews as coaching opportunities.
Track and manage go-backs, add-ons, change orders, return visits, and warranty-related modifications.
Document project changes accurately, update production records, maintain reporting on revisions and scheduling impacts, and communicate updates to affected departments.
Conduct daily project reviews with installers and coordinate across Design, Production, and Installation teams to ensure project readiness.
Escalate unresolved issues, follow up on concerns, and coordinate resolution of matters that could affect manufacturing, delivery, or installation.
Visit job sites when necessary to understand field conditions, validate project details, or help resolve problems.
Coordinate specialty products, outsourced manufacturing, and custom-order components with vendors; track lead times, status, specifications, and delivery timelines.
Address vendor-related delays proactively and identify alternatives when needed.
Take ownership of project-related customer concerns and follow through with relevant teams until resolved satisfactorily.
Maintain clear, timely communication with designers, installers, production personnel, vendors, and leadership; proactively communicate status, risks, delays, and recurring issues.
Discuss projects, go-backs, add-ons, warranties, installation delays, and design concerns in daily Operations Meetings.
Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, uphold quality and customer-service standards, and identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements.