Production Manager

About the Role

Farmhouse Pottery seeks an experienced Production Manager to lead and manage our pottery studio operations located in Woodstock, VT. This full-time role reports directly to the Vice President and requires a professional adept in overseeing production workflows, team management, quality assurance, and workplace safety to maintain and enhance studio efficiency and craftsmanship.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage overall production planning using ERP systems to integrate sales, inventory data, and forecast to create weekly production schedules.
• Support budgeting and implement cost control strategies to streamline studio operations.
• Utilize AI technology to generate weekly work orders and identify process improvements.
• Ensure strict compliance with health and safety standards; conduct regular inspections and implement preventive measures to minimize risks.
• Supervise the studio supervisor, fostering a cooperative and stimulating environment that encourages creativity and high quality in artisanal work.
• Delegate tasks effectively according to team members' skills and capabilities.
• Coordinate with lead trainers to schedule production tasks, staff rotations, and manage days off.
• Focus on scaling the team through recruitment, training, professional development, and retention initiatives aligned with company growth strategies.
• Lead weekly production meetings to review performance, celebrate achievements, and identify improvements.
• Monitor and boost studio productivity, ensuring operational focus and efficiency.
• Collaborate with technical staff to maintain equipment and manage timely procurement of materials like tools, clay, and glazes.
• Employ AI-based recommendations to update equipment or processes for enhanced productivity.
• Implement, maintain, and audit quality control protocols using AI tools to uphold product standards.
• Streamline inventory management by integrating AI technology to automate pottery tracking and classification of first and second quality products.
• Forecast production demands and schedule large or special orders, such as custom, wholesale, or research projects.
• Communicate production priorities to glaze and kiln teams according to demand levels.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven background in a production environment with a willingness and ability to master the specific nuances of pottery manufacturing processes.
• High emotional intelligence paired with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Previous experience in supervision or management, demonstrating capability to navigate challenging employee interactions with professionalism and constructive feedback.
• Genuine interest in mentoring and developing team members.
• Familiarity with or eagerness to apply AI technologies to optimize workflows and reduce manual labor.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000.

Additional Information

This job is based onsite in Woodstock, Vermont. It is a full-time position reporting to the Vice President. Duties and responsibilities may evolve or expand over time without altering the fundamental nature of this position.