Production Shop Lead

Closets By Design Chicago South • Lisle, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Shop Lead – Production to partner with our Operations Manager in driving daily production, workforce execution, and job readiness. This role is critical to ensuring our shop runs efficiently, deadlines are consistently met ahead of installation schedules, and production output remains high-quality and on time. This is a leadership role for someone who leads from the front—someone comfortable operating machinery, directing a team, and improving processes in a fast-paced production environment.

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of experience in cabinetry, woodworking, or manufacturing production
• Proven leadership experience in a shop environment
• Hands-on experience with saws, CNC equipment, and assembly processes
• Ability to read and interpret shop drawings and cut lists
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Willingness to lead from the floor and work alongside the team

Responsibilities

• Hands-on leader who will deliver a high-quality product produced cost-effectively, efficiently, and on time.
• Manage the plant’s daily operations and employees
• Schedule production and installation schedules to meet deadlines.
• Understand company product lines, equipment, assembly standards, and installation techniques.
• Enforce quality assurance standards.
• Interact with sales staff to review designs as defined by the owner.
• Maintain factory equipment and company vehicles.
• Produce daily cut lists.
• Forecast production requirements and maintain necessary inventory levels.
• Execute daily and weekly production schedules
• Prioritize jobs based on upcoming installation timelines
• Monitor workflow in real time and adjust to prevent delays
• Assign team members to machines based on workload and skillset
• Ensure all critical equipment is running consistently
• Step in to operate machinery as needed to maintain flow
• Drive accountability, productivity, and pace across the shop
• Partner with Quality Control to ensure all jobs scheduled within 48 hours are complete and 100% accurate
• Identify and resolve missing parts, errors, or bottlenecks proactively
• Ensure all materials are received, verified, and stocked in a timely manner
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate shortages immediately
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
• Enforce safety standards and promote a culture of accountability
• Ensure all machines are operational and properly maintained
• Coordinate repairs and minimize downtime
• Assist in developing and refining shop processes and workflows
• Identify inefficiencies and implement solutions
• Support standardization and scalable growth

Benefits

• $30-35 per hour, depending on experience.
• Opportunity to grow with a scaling operation.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Health and retirement benefits, including 401(k) with company match
• Open door policy with the owner.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed