Head of Projects

AXIOM
Axiom Custom Products is a 27 year old privately-owned, full-service creative manufacturing team that designs and builds architectural environments, retail activations and experiences, art installations, and more. We’re a team of thinkers and builders with a passion for making interesting things. We design. We engineer. We build. We’re full-service and full of heart.
With a 75,000 sf shop in NE, Axiom makes the impossible possible through our vast, unmatched capabilities: exceptional client services, fearlessly creative design, innovative problem-solving, unparalleled in-house services (building, metal fabrication, electronics, paint and powder coating, custom crating), detailed installation, and tight deadlines. With our client’s expressive custom statements brought to life, the rest is history.
THE PRE-REQ
You have years of fabrication experience; you've built things with your own two hands, lots of things. You've been a Senior Project Manager, Director of Project Management or the like and have a desire to make the leap from managing the builders of things to managing the folks who manage those folks. And you have the confidence and drive to succeed.
This particular Project Management role isn't suited for folks with experience only in design, event management, general project management or building as a hobby. This isn’t a software or finance Project Management role either.
You have to have worn a tool belt/had a tool box at a job and understand how things are built. You've personally worked with a variety of materials (metal, plastic, wood, glass, laminate), adhesives, and finishes.
You are now an industry hardened, proactive leader who can manage and lead a small team of Project Managers and Estimators as well as a revolving portfolio of 30-50 projects that range in value from $10k-$1m+.
**Please note, hands-on metal fabrication/carpentry/woodworking/cabinet making experience is a non-negotiable requirement of the role, we won’t be considering folks who do not have this experience.
THE ROLE
We assure quality custom products with efficiency and dedication. And we deliver. At the helm of delivery is the Project Management team. Our Project Managers navigate and execute temporary and permanent installations working with their the Sales team, Account Managers, other Project Managers, Design Engineers, CNC Programmers, and Management.
Project Managers work through design, estimating, planning, development, production, and installation phases of the project life cycle. They have a direct connection to the profitability of Axiom and the reason they are successful is that they understand how things are built. But, it's not that simple, that's the foundation they bring. Then, they come to Axiom learn the process of project management and production at Axiom, inside and out, and execute it. In tandem with the sales and accounts teams, they develop new relationships and maintain on-going relationships with clients, agencies, designers, general contractors, architects and artists.
The Head of Projects is a mentor and guide to the Project team. They are ultimately responsible for the Project team’s success and their ability to plan, execute, and deliver projects through Axiom’s capabilities. This person executes through team leadership, organization, and management of Axiom’s systems and staff.
The Head of Projects works closely with account managers, management, and production to ensure projects are being planned and executed cross-functionally. This position reports to the General Manager.
YOU
Our Project Management team helps keep the production team running at full speed. You will be leading a team of like-minded folks managing production of experiences and brand touch-points that are simply put, awesome. You have a passion for unlocking the potential of the greater team by removing roadblocks and creating a clear path to getting things done through an obsession with planning, process, and transforming complex requests into actionable to do's.
You are comfortable and confident in managing folks that know how to execute what y’all know how to build and you enjoy being an integral part of a team. You are highly motivated, organized, a collaborator. You are committed to project excellence and have an outstanding attention to detail -- you love the craft.
You have exemplary communication skills. You thrive when working with folks in an active environment against tight deadlines, managing budgets and workflow. The computer, Gantt charts, email and spreadsheets are familiar tools. You welcome the challenge to oversee management of multiple projects, clients, and resources at a time. You are able to quickly learn about our industry including retail environments, millwork/casework, tradeshow booths, and custom crating. You will visit project sites, which requires a current local driver's license and a clean driving record.
To succeed in this role, you have a history of leading, training, and managing a team. You have extensive PM experience and know best practices to get these rad projects out the door on time and within budget. It is important to understand the workflows of creative/retail/construction clientele and essential that your work has been in a design-led industry.
Technical drawings should be old hat for you and you should have comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and fab processes. Our deadlines can be challenging, so you must be able to work, set goals and provide direction. No fear, though, you've got an awesome team to support you!
What are your KPI's? Profitability, project accuracy, on-time delivery, client retention and satisfaction, and employee retention.
THE RETURN
Our way of life promotes hard work, but health and family always come first. We ask employees to give us their all, and in turn, we help them live a rewarding life with the balance they need to enjoy their career at Axiom. We offer an opportunity for growth, an excellent salary, paid holidays, 401k and Roth investment options, and medical, dental, vision benefits (with dependent coverage options). Best yet, in year two you accrue 4 weeks of PTO!
Important note: there are dogs in the office.
NEXT STEPS
See our full capabilities at www.axiomcustom.com and check out the breadth of projects we tackle at www.instagram.com/axiomcustom.
Join Axiom because we’re different from other shops. We don’t back down from a creative or technical challenge. We always figure out a way.
Enable us to bridge the space between design and build. Tell us how your experience aligns with the hands-on building and team management prerequisites; we'd love an intro (no formal cover letter needed) and resume!
**Please note, hands-on metal fabrication/carpentry/woodworking/cabinet making experience is a non-negotiable requirement of the role, we won’t be considering folks who do not have this experience.