Shop Manager

Aardvark Studios•Conshohocken, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to join an innovative team that pushes the boundaries of creativity and delivers top-notch results? At Aardvark Studios, we thrive in a multitude of creative landscapes. Simply calling us a “Creative Fabrication Company” or an “Experiential Marketing Company” doesn't capture the full scope of what we do. We are a dynamic design, build, and technology studio serving the experiential marketing and location-based entertainment industries and constantly evolving with each and every unique project. We are looking for a Shop Manager to join the team! As a Shop Manager with Aardvark Studios, you’ll lead the charge with hands-on leadership, driving quality, safety, and efficiency across our fabrication operations. You’ll oversee the day-to-day workflow, support and develop our skilled makers, and ensure that every build leaving the shop meets the highest standards — on time and on budget. This is a hands-on leadership role reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. The Shop Manager will work closely with project management, design engineering, and quality control to ensure builds are executed safely, efficiently, and to Aardvark’s high standards.

Requirements

5+ years of proven experience as a Shop Foreman, Production Lead, or similar fabrication leadership role
Demonstrated success managing teams in a fast-paced, custom fabrication or production environment
Strong understanding of woodworking, metal fabrication, CNC operations, and specialty fabrication techniques
Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor a diverse team
Proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and at the highest quality
Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy materials safely
Strong organizational skills with a focus on cleanliness, workflow, and continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

Preferred software familiarity and digital geometry manipulation(Smartsheet, Google Suite, Rhino,)
Knowledge of Lean/5S principles and process standardization
Forklift/MEWP certification and training experience

Responsibilities

Hire, manage, and develop fabrication team members across wood, CNC, metal, and specialty disciplines
Lead daily shop huddles and ensure clear team alignment and communication
Implement lean initiatives and continuous improvement practices
Manage all aspects of shop safety and compliance
Maintain shop cleanliness, organization, and readiness for daily operations
Oversee equipment repair, maintenance, and usage
Ensure production quality standards are met while minimizing rework
Collaborate closely with Design Engineering, Project Management, and Production teams to meet deadlines and budget goals
Set the shop up at the end of each day to ensure smooth operations the following morning
Oversight of training and skill development, which supports your lean initiatives and safety goals