ASSEMBLY MANAGER

APPARATUS is a New York-based designer and manufacturer of a distinctive catalog of high-end, high-touch lighting, furniture and objects. We produce both in-house and with the support of high-quality external partners; our catalog is sold globally.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Oversee the on-time and quality completion of all Assembly functions within production timelines.
• Manage department operations to meet or exceed Production Calendar commitments, including replacement, custom, and special projects; advance data integrity, manage work orders with real-time system update. Ensure the necessary reporting visibility, processes and internal/external communication.
• Manage schedules and assign work; proactively plan resources and advocate for department needs.
• Consistently lead by example, creating a work environment that promotes skill-building, efficiency and communication, driving excellence in productivity and quality.
• Train, coach, mentor and develop team members to meet current and future work standards. Ensure training goals and objectives are met for newly hired associates.
• Perform quality control inspection for production. Identify, communicate and address trends and opportunities.
• Respond and communicate accordingly to demand and business-driven priorities. Communicate risk, change and reprioritization with enough time to mitigate impact.
• Create and monitor reports in Salesforce to understand and act on key department and individual performance metrics. Provide weekly performance reporting to Director.
• Maintain an expert-level aesthetic and functional understanding of all active collections, components, suppliers, and quality parameters; ensure successful and on-time new product rollout and on-going production. Train and manage the team to the same level.
• Reconcile and conduct root cause analysis on Assembly issues, creatively problem-solve and work with relevant teams to close out pending issues and change processes, as necessary, to prevent recurrence.
• Keep accurate work order, inventory, and budget reports. Maintain stock levels while factoring for planned growth, trends, and company initiatives. Timely submission and closure of all orders and expenses.
• Partner with Procurement to ensure the department is sufficiently stocked, timely replenishment and uninterrupted work order flow. Support physical inventory audits and cycle counts: schedule, process, and tools to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Anticipate problems, design solutions and create proposals for implementation; identify areas where technical solutions would improve team and product performance. Train team members to approach problems in a similar manner.
• Advance operations improvements in systems, equipment, and lean processes supporting accuracy, agility, responsiveness, business continuity and resilience. Coordinate, manage and evaluate the implementation of new processes in area of responsibility. Maintain and/or establish relevant SOPs and data management.
• Lead by example, create a work environment that promotes a high level of engagement and accountability, skill-building, efficiency, and communication, driving excellence in productivity and quality.
• Enroll team members in new processes and initiatives to collect feedback and gain buy-in.
• Promote and support Company policies and ensure compliance with Company and government safety regulations, provide feedback and training to team members when necessary.
• Participate in a weekly 1:1 and Manager meeting.
• Be a conduit of conversation, feedback and advocacy between team members and leadership, escalate any issues to Director.
• Provide overtime support and leadership when needed, including evening and weekend flexibility, participate in installations or assist with special projects.
• Champion and support company change initiatives and continuous improvement efforts, and assist others in adoption.
• Maintain a pristine work environment – overseeing both individual workstations and common department areas.
• Perform key opening and closing duties and operational tasks with excellence.
• Contribute thoughtful, helpful and accurate feedback.

SKILLS

• Deep understanding of department operations, dependencies, and impacts on people and processes; with grasp of process design and optimization.
• Excellent time management.
• Pledged to see things through to a resolution, open to and supportive of process and people changes.
• Ability to understand and translate company strategies and operational business needs into future capabilities and solutions.
• Advanced mechanical acumen.
• Proficient-level assembly, wiring and testing skills.
• Highly developed aesthetic sensibility, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficient in quality control inspection methodology.
• Proven complex problem-solving and analytical skills. Proficient with software and systems. Ability to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and specifications. Capable of creating and using reports and dashboards.
• Exemplary record keeping, as well as clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented with clear and effective organizational and communication skills; ability to delegate and pivot to accomplish goals.
• Commitment to foster open and positive communication, manage across levels and functions, effectively respond to feedback and be proactive in seeking support, as needed.
• Ability to motivate and inspire a team and drive results. Provide thoughtful and helpful feedback and coach to targets.
• Maintain deep product knowledge with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate and demonstrate procedures to team members.
• Commitment to independent learning and expanding professional and technical knowledge.
• Self-motivated individual who takes responsibility and can thrive in a culture of excellence.
• Ability to work well under pressure or amid competing priorities.
• Trustworthy with sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 30 pounds safely, raise arms overhead, work standing on a regular basis, and climb a ladder as necessary.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 4 years in a comparable role and business, specializing in high quality products and elevated clientele.
• Industry and category specific experience.
• Firm grasp of production and management principles.
• Record of attracting, developing, and retaining talented people.
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, communicate well and manage processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree: Industrial Design or Engineering concentration.
• 3D modeling software proficiency: Solidworks, AutoCAD.
• Project management experience and workflow software proficiency.
• Salesforce and/or ERP knowledge.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time on-site hours: Monday–Friday between 8:00AM–5:00PM.
• Longer hours and weekend availability as needed.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Weekly 1:1s and management meeting.
• Annual performance reviews.

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our APPARATUS PRODUCTION facility in Red Hook. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.