What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager - Custom Fabrication position at Gilbert?
At Gilbert, we don't build buildings—we build the custom environments that go inside them. We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee custom fabrication projects from engineering through installation. This is an office-based role located inside our manufacturing facility, where you'll work closely with our design, purchasing, and production teams while monitoring daily fabrication progress in our shop.
The ideal candidate has experience managing custom millwork, retail fixtures, trade show exhibits, or architectural interior projects. Success in this role requires strong material takeoff skills, purchasing and material management experience, production coordination, and the ability to keep multiple custom projects on schedule from start to finish.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the Project from Drawing Approval to Installation: Manage every phase of assigned custom fabrication projects including engineering review, material procurement, production scheduling, fabrication, logistics, installation, and project closeout.
- Daily Manufacturing Coordination: Work on-site alongside our fabrication team to monitor production progress, resolve manufacturing issues quickly, and ensure projects remain on schedule. Participate in regular production meetings and maintain close communication with shop supervisors.
- Material Takeoffs & Procurement: Review construction documents and shop drawings to perform accurate material takeoffs. Purchase lumber, sheet goods, hardware, metals, acrylics, solid surface materials, glass, and specialty finishes while managing budgets and delivery schedules.
- Material Management: Track long-lead materials from purchase through receipt, inventory, production, and installation. Ensure materials arrive when needed to support fabrication without delaying production.
- Production Scheduling: Partner with production leadership to develop realistic fabrication schedules that meet demanding client installation dates.
- Client & Team Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the project. Keep clients, designers, engineers, and internal teams informed while proactively addressing schedule changes and potential risks.
- Installation Coordination: Coordinate shipping, field labor, subcontracted installers, site readiness, punch lists, and final project completion.
- Documentation & Financial Management: Manage, submittals, change orders, purchase orders, project budgets, schedules, meeting notes, and project documentation from start to finish.
Required Qualifications
- 5 years managing custom fabrication or architectural millwork projects from engineering through installation
- Experience working for a fabrication shop, millwork manufacturer, exhibit house, retail fixture manufacturer, or specialty subcontractor
- Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows and custom production environments
- Ability to perform material takeoffs directly from architectural drawings and shop drawings
- Experience purchasing and managing materials for custom fabrication projects
- Experience coordinating fabrication schedules with production teams
- Ability to prioritize multiple fast-moving custom projects simultaneously
- Strong blueprint and shop drawing interpretation skills
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and AutoCAD; experience with Smartsheet, Monday.com, or similar project management software is preferred
- Willingness to travel occasionally (5–10%) for site surveys, installations, or client meetings