Shop Manager

About the role

Aardvark Studios is a dynamic design, build, and technology studio serving the experiential marketing and location-based entertainment industries. We are seeking a hands-on Shop Manager to lead our fabrication operations, driving quality, safety, and efficiency. This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer and involves close collaboration with project management, design engineering, and quality control to ensure builds are executed safely, efficiently, and to our high standards.

Responsibilities

• Hire, manage, and develop fabrication team members across wood, CNC, metal, and specialty disciplines
• Lead daily shop huddles and ensure clear team alignment and communication
• Implement lean initiatives and continuous improvement practices
• Manage all aspects of shop safety and compliance
• Maintain shop cleanliness, organization, and readiness for daily operations
• Oversee equipment repair, maintenance, and usage
• Ensure production quality standards are met while minimizing rework
• Collaborate closely with Design Engineering, Project Management, and Production teams to meet deadlines and budget goals
• Set the shop up at the end of each day to ensure smooth operations the following morning
• Oversee training and skill development, supporting lean initiatives and safety goals

How we'll measure success

• Projects consistently delivered on time and within budget
• Labor utilization consistently met above 90%
• Zero safety incidents in the shop with proactive hazard reporting
• Labor hours under budget for projects
• High team morale, strong communication, and low rework rates

Requirements

• 5+ years of proven experience as a Shop Foreman, Production Lead, or similar fabrication leadership role
• Demonstrated success managing teams in a fast-paced, custom fabrication or production environment
• Strong understanding of woodworking, metal fabrication, CNC operations, and specialty fabrication techniques
• Preferred software familiarity: Smartsheet, Google Suite, Rhino
• Knowledge of Lean/5S principles and process standardization
• Forklift/MEWP certification and training experience

Qualifications

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor a diverse team
• Proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and at the highest quality
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy materials safely
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on cleanliness, workflow, and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Short- and long-term disability options
• Retirement matching after 1 year
• On-site private-use gym
• Free Tesla charging
• Dog-friendly workspace