Factory Manager – Wood Fabrication & Joinery

Position Overview

The Factory Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all production operations within a large-scale wooden fabrication facility specializing in fit-outs, joinery, carpentry, retail fixtures, hospitality interiors, event structures, and exhibition stands. The role ensures efficient production planning, on-time delivery, quality control, cost optimization, and safe working conditions while driving continuous improvement across machines, manpower, and materials.

This position requires a hands-on leader with deep technical knowledge of woodworking, joinery manufacturing processes, CNC machining, cutting lists, BOMs, production workflows, and multi-project execution under tight deadlines.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Production Management & Planning

• Develop and oversee daily/weekly/monthly production schedules aligned with project timelines and client delivery requirements.
• Allocate manpower, machine load, and materials across carpentry, CNC, laser cutting, painting, and assembly sections.
• Ensure production workflows follow approved technical drawings, cutting lists, and shop drawings.
• Monitor daily progress, identify bottlenecks, and proactively implement corrective actions.

2. Factory Operations Leadership

• Manage all factory departments: carpentry, CNC machining, painting/finishing, assembly, packaging, and dispatch.
• Lead and supervise a workforce of skilled technicians, carpenters, foremen, and machine operators.
• Establish clear KPIs (output, efficiency, waste, downtime, reworks, on-time delivery) and track performance.
• Ensure machinery readiness and minimize downtime through preventive maintenance.

3. Quality Control & Standards

• Ensure all produced items meet design specifications, joinery standards, and client quality expectations.
• Implement quality inspection checkpoints across key stages (raw material cutting →
• assembly → finish → final QA).
• Reduce rework ratio through root-cause analysis and cross-team accountability.
• Review materials and finishing types to ensure durability, precision, and correct application.

4. Project Coordination & Technical Oversight

• Collaborate with Account Managers, Designers, and Draftsmen/Technical team to review drawings, technical details, constructability, and feasibility.
• Provide technical guidance on joinery details, material options, hardware selection, fabrication methods, and installation requirements.
• Ensure all materials and production requirements are ready according to the project pipeline.
• Attend coordination meetings and provide accurate factory progress reports.

5. Cost Control & Resource Optimization

• Optimize labor utilization, machine usage, material consumption, and reduce wastage.
• Control factory overhead costs and ensure budgets are met.
• Analyze production cost variances and propose improvements.
• Lead implementation of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.

6. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe working environment and ensure compliance with local safety regulations.
• Conduct safety audits, toolbox talks, and risk assessments for all factory activities.
• Ensure proper storage of chemicals (paints, adhesives), safe machine operation, and PPE usage.

7. Team Management & Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate production staff and foremen.
• Build a strong, disciplined, and motivated production culture with accountability and teamwork.
• Identify skills gaps and arrange training programs (CNC, carpentry, finishing, etc.).

8. Reporting & Systems Management

• Generate daily/weekly production reports, including performance, delays, and material status.
• Work closely with the ERP/production management system to update job orders, material consumption, and output tracking.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure timely procurement.

Required Qualifications & Experience (Explicitly Relevant) Education

· Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Production Management, Interior Architecture, or related field (preferred).

· Technical Diploma in Carpentry/Joinery or Wood Technology is an advantage.

Experience

Candidates must have direct, hands-on experience in similar fabrication environments:

· Minimum 8–12 years of experience in wood fabrication, joinery manufacturing, carpentry works, or interior fit-out production.

· At least 5 years in a Factory Manager, Production Manager, or Senior Supervisor role

in a joinery/furniture/fit-out workshop.

Proven experience producing:

o hotel fit-outs and joinery

o restaurant and café interiors

o retail shop fixtures & displays

o event structures and exhibition stands

o large-scale carpentry and custom furniture

· Strong background with CNC operations, technical drawings, cutting lists, joinery assembly methods, material specifications, and finishing techniques.

· Demonstrated ability to manage multi-project production with tight deadlines and fast turnaround times.

Skills & Competencies

· Strong knowledge of woodworking machines, CNC routers, edge banders, panel saws, and carpentry equipment.

· Excellent understanding of AutoCAD/technical drawings (ability to read and interpret shop drawings).

· Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

· Ability to optimize workflows and implement lean manufacturing practices.

· Excellent planning, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

· ERP or production management system experience is a plus.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

• Age?
• Current Salary?
• Expected Salary?

Work Location: In person