Directs every operating department in each market: supervision, all manufacturing cells, warehouse, maintenance, the rail and stair installation crews, and the scheduling, drawing release, and materials functions that feed them. Owns both teams: staffing, development, accountability, and succession. Runs GA and NC to one operating standard and reports to the Chief Executive Officer as the single point of accountability for safety, quality, on-time delivery, cost performance, and margin protection company-wide.
Key Responsibilities
Own daily operational performance across both locations: engineering/CAD, production, scheduling, purchasing, logistics, and field installation.
Run the weekly operating cadence - production meetings, daily shop huddles, KPI reviews - and report results to the CEO.
Enforce the sales-to-production handoff standard: complete stair sheets, drawings, signed orders, and confirmed site readiness before any job releases to the shop.
Validate all capacity and delivery commitments before Sales finalizes them; no unvalidated promises to customers.
Own the production schedule and inter-site logistics between Atlanta and North Carolina, including freight planning and warehouse throughput.
Hold department leaders (Shop Manager, Operations Supervisor, CAD, Purchasing) accountable to signed roles & responsibilities, KPIs, and performance reviews.
Drive rework below 10% through root-cause tracking, CAD revision control, and position-specific training.
Lead the safety program: written policy, incident reporting, OSHA-aligned practices, and weekly toolbox talks at both shops.
Manage labor productivity to the 85% loading standard and control direct-labor cost as a percentage of sales.
Develop the operations bench: cross-training, coverage plans for key roles, and succession-ready supervisors.
Qualifications
7-10 years of operations leadership in custom manufacturing, millwork, building products, or a related make-to-order trade, including at least 3 years managing managers.
Proven multi-site experience running production and field/installation teams across more than one location.
Working command of manufacturing financials: job costing, labor burden, gross margin by job, and scheduling to capacity.
Track record installing structure into a low-structure environment: SOPs, KPIs, production scheduling, and performance accountability.
Direct experience owning safety and OSHA compliance in a shop and field environment.
Demonstrated ability to hold tenured, loyal employees accountable while retaining them.
Skills Required
- 7-10 years of operations leadership in custom manufacturing, millwork, building products, or a related make-to-order trade
- At least 3 years managing managers
- Multi-site experience running production and field or installation teams across more than one location
- Working command of manufacturing financials, including job costing, labor burden, gross margin by job, and capacity-based scheduling
- Experience implementing SOPs, KPIs, production scheduling, and performance accountability in a low-structure environment
- Direct experience owning safety and OSHA compliance in shop and field environments
- Demonstrated ability to hold tenured employees accountable while retaining them
What We Do
Cogent Analytics is a business management consulting firm committed to serving privately held businesses in the US. Founded in 2014, we've grown from a small team of six to a thriving organization of over 220 dedicated professionals serving Main Street businesses across 36 U.S. states. Our mission is to improve the lives of business owners by providing honest and effective business consulting services. We believe that small to mid-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of their communities. Our people-centric approach focuses on the individuals behind the businesses and the communities they serve. At Cogent Analytics, we're more than just a business - we're a family that acts like a business from time to time. We invest heavily in our team, fostering a culture of support, growth, and recognition. We're proud of our A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau, client testimonials, and lifecycle relationships that are testaments to our ethical business practices. Join us as we continue to champion the cause of the entrepreneur, helping businesses overcome challenges, achieve their full potential, and contribute to the strength and vibrancy of our communities. At Cogent, your business is our business — let's build something together. Website: www.cogentanalytics.com Email: [email protected] Phone: (336) 665-8154
