Production Manager

Job Description Production Manager

Department: Production
Industry: Interior Design / Modular Furniture Manufacturing
Experience: Senior Level

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager to oversee the complete production process for modular furniture and interior projects. The candidate will be responsible for production planning, cutting list preparation, material optimisation, machine operations, quality control, vendor coordination, and production team management, ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and adherence to established modular furniture standards.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Production Management

• Manage and supervise the complete production process, from reviewing approved designs and drawings to manufacturing, quality inspection, and dispatch.
• Prepare production schedules and ensure timely completion of jobs as per project requirements and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate with design, procurement, execution, and installation teams to ensure smooth production workflow.
• Monitor production capacity, material availability, job progress, and machine utilisation.

2. Cutting List Preparation & Software Knowledge

• Prepare, review, and verify cutting lists based on approved design drawings and technical specifications.
• Have hands-on knowledge of software-based cutting list preparation and production planning tools used in modular furniture manufacturing.
• Possess strong knowledge of manual cutting list preparation, including panel dimensions, thickness, quantities, edge-banding requirements, and hardware specifications.
• Verify measurements, material specifications, and component details before releasing jobs for production.

3. Material Optimisation & Planning

• Perform panel and sheet optimisation to minimise material wastage and improve yield.
• Ensure efficient utilisation of plywood, MDF, HDHMR, particle board, laminates, and other production materials.
• Plan cutting patterns based on sheet sizes, grain direction, laminate requirements, and project specifications.
• Monitor material consumption, wastage, rework, and production costs.

4. Modular Furniture Standards & Technical Knowledge

• Have thorough knowledge of modular furniture construction, standard dimensions, carcass construction, shutters, drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, kitchen units, and storage systems.
• Understand board thicknesses, edge-banding specifications, hardware fittings, joinery, clearances, and assembly requirements.
• Interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, elevations, sections, and detailed production drawings.
• Ensure all manufactured components comply with approved designs, measurements, and quality standards.

5. Production Machinery & Operations

• Possess practical knowledge of production machinery used in modular furniture manufacturing, including panel saws, beam saws, CNC routers, edge-banding machines, drilling machines, boring machines, and other relevant equipment.
• Understand machine operations, production settings, tooling requirements, and process capabilities.
• Ensure machines are operated safely and efficiently, with preventive maintenance and timely servicing.
• Monitor machine performance, downtime, and production output.

6. Quality Control & Inspection

• Implement quality checks at every stage of production, including cutting, edge-banding, drilling, assembly, finishing, and dispatch.
• Verify dimensions, surface finish, edge quality, alignment, hardware fitting, and overall workmanship.
• Identify defects, investigate root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Minimise material wastage, rework, rejection, and customer complaints.

7. Vendor & Material Management

• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for materials, components, hardware, and outsourced production activities.
• Monitor vendor quality, delivery timelines, material specifications, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure timely availability of materials to prevent production delays.
• Resolve quality and supply-related issues through effective follow-ups.

8. Production Team Management

• Lead, allocate, and supervise production staff, machine operators, carpenters, assemblers, and other shop-floor personnel.
• Assign daily production targets and monitor individual and team productivity.
• Train team members on production processes, quality standards, machine safety, and efficient working practices.
• Maintain discipline, accountability, coordination, and adherence to production schedules.

9. Reporting & Process Improvement

• Maintain production reports, cutting lists, material consumption records, wastage reports, quality inspection records, and dispatch schedules.
• Track production output against planned targets and identify bottlenecks.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Report production status, delays, resource requirements, and operational issues to management.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Furniture Technology, or a related field; equivalent relevant industry experience may also be considered.
• Proven experience in modular furniture production, factory operations, or interior fit-out manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of software-based and manual cutting list preparation.
• Practical understanding of sheet optimisation and material yield calculations.
• Thorough knowledge of modular furniture standards, construction methods, hardware, and materials.
• Hands-on understanding of CNC and other furniture production machinery.
• Experience in quality control, vendor management, production planning, and team leadership.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and resolve production-related challenges.
• Strong organisational, coordination, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of daily and monthly production targets.
• On-time completion and dispatch of production orders.
• Reduction in material wastage and production costs.
• Accuracy of cutting lists and optimisation plans.
• Reduction in defects, rework, and rejection rates.
• Machine utilisation and reduction in avoidable downtime.
• Vendor delivery performance and material availability.
• Productivity and performance of the production team.
• Adherence to quality standards and approved project specifications.