Production Manager -Custom Fabrication (Scenic and Experiential)

ABOUT US
The Lab is a creative, high-output fabrication shop specializing in custom scenic builds, installations, and experiential environments. With a reputation for quality craftsmanship and reliable execution, we partner with production companies, agencies, and designers to bring ambitious concepts to life.

Production Manager Reports to: Director of Fabrication

THE ROLE

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day project operations with an emphasis on inter-departmental workflow. Supporting carpentry leads and department heads, project execution, safety, inventory of materials/hardware, and overall build quality are primary focuses of this role. The Fabrication Manager will work closely with the Fabrication Leadership to ensure projects are staffed correctly, built efficiently, delivered on time, and executed to the standard The Lab is known for. You will be expected to oversee multiple projects at once, develop and maintain efficient assembly methods, mentor the team, solve problems quickly, and maintain visibility into labor, materials, and field execution. Lead Carpenters will run the teams and call the shots on their assigned projects, you will ensure they are set up for success and support in interdepartmental coordination, often balancing project team vs. departmentalized workflows. The Production Manager needs to be just as comfortable on the shop floor walking a build, solving a detail, or helping the crew push through a deadline as they are managing schedules, budgets, and staffing plans.

This role will play a major part in helping establish the systems, standards, and culture for The Lab East Carpentry Department.

WHAT THE PRODUCTION MANAGER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Oversee day-to-day Fabrication Department operations, workflow, and production timelines across multiple projects.
• Onboard and manage fabrication staff including Project Leads, senior junior carpenters, freelancers,and installers.
• Maintain inventory visibility for tools, hardware, materials, and consumables with Facilities Lead.
• Maintain and resupply install kits tooling and expendables with Facilities Lead.
• Collaborate with Leadership on project timelines, priorities, staffing needs, schedules and work flow across multiple projects.
• Review drawings, material selections, and fabrication plans to determine build approach, labor strategy, and risk areas when called upon.
• Maintain strong oversight of project execution, work flow, material usage, and overall quality.
• Identify potential fabrication issues early and create solutions before they impact project timelines.
• Ensure all work leaving the shop meets The Lab’s standards for quality, finish, and functionality
• Build and maintain carpentry department systems, SOPs, standards, and training materials with Leadership.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and development of carpentry department staff and freelancers.
• Serve as the escalation point for fabrication-related issues internally
• Lead select projects as Sr. Lead Carpenter
• Lead select installations in the field
• Conduct Site surveys and set up projects for internal T-offs/Kickoffs.

PRODUCTION MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES

• 5 years in production management or shop operations, ideally in scenic, experiential, event, exhibit, or custom fabrication
• Experience scheduling a shop of 20 fabricators across multiple concurrent projects
• Proficient in reading shop drawings and technical specifications
• Working knowledge of carpentry, metal fabrication, CNC, and electrical processes
• Experience with labor tracking, purchasing, and project budgets
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Chat, Calendar)
• CAD experience a plus
• Strong communication skills and comfort with fast-changing priorities
• Willing to work occasional nights and weekends, and to travel as needed

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) with matching, after one year of employment
• Accrued paid vacation & PTO
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options

Experience:

• Production or shop management in fabrication: 3 years (Required)
• Scenic or experiential fabrication: 3 years (Preferred)
• Hands-on fabricating: 2 years (Preferred)

Pay: $90,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Hands-on fabricating: 2 years (Preferred)
• Production Management For Scenic or Experiential Fabrication: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Carlstadt, NJ 07072 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $115,000