Now Hiring: Production Manager
July 8, 2025
As a Split Rock Studios (SRS) Production Manager, you will utilize your forecasting experience, understanding of custom fabrication, and problem-solving skills to ensure efficiency, productivity, and quality in our shops.
The ideal candidate is…
Personable. You quickly build trust and rapport with coworkers, vendors, and clients, and understand the value of long-term client relationships.
Proactive. You can see capacity issues coming from a mile away and know how to allocate resources to head off problems before they impact project schedules.
Energetic. You’re driven to hit goals and exceed client expectations on projects ranging from $100,000 to $4 million.
Committed. You want to be part of a team of creative thinkers and artisan fabricators focused on sharing natural and cultural history with the public.
Job Responsibilities:
Manage Staff
- Manage direct reports, including annual reviews and interim reviews as needed, for CAD Detailers, Estimator, Purchaser, Shop Manager, and Artistic Fabrication Manager
- Recruit, hire, and schedule or train production staff as needed, including temporary, part-time, and full-time positions and subcontractors
- Set productivity goals for each manufacturing team
Schedules and Capacity
- Collect information from the Shop Manager and Artistic Fabrication Manager to forecast staffing needs and manage global production schedule
- Use Smartsheet to track shop performance against internal estimates
- Communicate regularly with Project Managers on production progress, working through any issues as needed to keep projects on track
Internal Processes and Efficiency
- Work with Shop Manager and Art Fab Manager to determine the appropriate flow of projects through CAD, CNC, wood shop, 3D printing, and artistic fabrication, including prioritization of jobs, fast-tracking components due to schedule risk, and assigning staff to specific projects/components
- Develop and maintain operational procedures to improve efficiency without compromising safety or quality
- Make recommendations on opportunities to balance increases in productivity with reduced costs of manufacturing operations. Conduct regular quality and durability reviews during fabrication to ensure exhibits meet Split Rock standards for longevity
- Review applicable CAD drawings against project cost estimates and design drawings, ensuring they reflect budgeted hours, design intent, and efficient fabrication methods
- Track costs of any in-house rework or warranty issues
- Communicate regularly with upper management about issues impacting production (e.g. machine/equipment resources required to keep production on schedule with minimal downtime)
- Ensure safety and health standards are met to keep Split Rock accident-free
External Relationships
- Assist in soliciting bids from specialty fabrication vendors, including metal, millwork, plastics, mechanical interactives, and building trades
- Identify any needs for outsourced fabrication and solicit vendor bids
- Order specialty parts that require a high level of coordination
- Manage outsourced fabrication work and any SRS-provided building modifications
- Use existing bids to negotiate best price, lead times, and terms with vendors
Support
- Review in-progress designs to identify any gaps in information and advise on materials/fabrication methods as appropriate
- Support the Estimator by determining the required hours to fabricate custom exhibit components in partnership with the Shop Manager and Artistic Fabrication Manager
- In conjunction with the production team, provide a clear plan on shipping logistics (vehicle type/size, additional equipment needs, loading plan) for booking purposes
Other
- Participate in and advocate for Split Rock culture, attending company events and investing in cross-departmental relationships
Additional Skills:
- 5+ years of fabrication experience, with a preference for displays, exhibits, retail, and architectural millwork
- Proficient with Google and Office suites, especially Excel
- Able to read CAD drawings and blueprints, with a strong understanding of MEPs
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and skillsets
- Proven track record of successful production management experience in a manufacturing environment; preference for those with experience managing custom fabrication shops
- Experience with vendor negotiations, project management, and managing in-house staff
Travel Requirements
Travel, up to 2 days every other month, may be required for this position. This can include travel by car or airplane throughout the United States. Travel is confirmed and communicated as far in advance as possible.
This position is in-person, with five days a week on-site at Split Rock Studios.
To apply, please submit a resume to info@splitrockstudios.com with “Production Manager” in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Split Rock Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of Color, women, LBGTQIAA+, and allies are encouraged to apply.
