
Production Manager
About the Johnson Atelier:
The Johnson Atelier is a collaborative studio with over 20 years of experience in advanced fabrication, including CNC milling, 3D scanning, 3D printing, CAD modeling, and specialty finishes. We support a wide range of projects in sculpture fabrication, restoration, conservation, prototyping, and scenic design. Our team works with artists, museums, designers, and architects to make digital tools and processes accessible. At our core, we're creative problem solvers dedicated to innovation across disciplines.
Job Title: Production Manager Company:
Johnson Atelier Location: Hamilton, NJ
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $65,000-$70,000 (annual)
Job Overview:
Johnson Atelier is seeking a skilled and highly organized Production Manager to lead the full production lifecycle at our sculptural design and fabrication studio. This role is responsible for managing fabrication workflows, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will oversee and collaborate with various teams to ensure smooth operations, from the initial hand-off from sales to project release and postmortem analysis.
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Key Responsibilities
•Collaborate with the Design Team to develop and finalize fabrication models and shop drawings on schedule.
•Coordinate client approvals and ensure all specifications are confirmed.
•Develop and manage detailed production schedules, aligning shop teams and tracking progress – including oversight of our 5-axis CNC machine operations.
•Lead the implementation and ongoing refinement of a Production Management System to ensure accountability across all phases.
•Oversee day-to-day operations and personnel within the Shop and Paint/Finishing departments to ensure that projects are completed to desired client specifications and highest industry standards.
•Manage material orders, inventory, and quality control of incoming supplies. - • Maintain clear and consistent client communication throughout the project lifecycle and provide regular progress reports throughout the fabrication process to ensure transparency and client satisfaction.
• Monitor production milestones and resource allocation to keep projects on track.
• Conduct post-project reviews to identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Oversee Quality Assurance (QA) on the shop floor, ensuring that projects proceed through each phase of projection in accordance with design specifications.
• Implement safety protocols and ensure implementation and management of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training program, to ensure that the safety and well-being of Shop and Paint team members is kept in foreground of day-to-day operations.
• Plan and manage installation logistics when included in project scope.
• Must be available to work overtime and weekends as needed, with equivalent PTO or compensatory time provided in return.
• Limited travel to client sites, to oversee installation of commissioned artworks and pieces when included in project scope, is required. -
Qualifications
• Experience: 3–5 years in production management, preferably within high-end art or commercial fabrication.
• Skills:
o Strong project management and scheduling capabilities; experience with platforms like SmartSuite is a plus.
o Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a focus on delivering projects to client specifications and in accordance with production schedule and budget.
o High computer literacy, especially in Microsoft Office 365.
o Ability to handle complex schedules and multitask effectively.
o Experience with materials sourcing, fabrication processes, and inventory management. - o Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving mindset.
o Familiarity with 3D scanning/printing technologies is a plus.
o Familiarity with 3D modeling software is a plus.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in art, Design, Business, or related field preferred
• Additional Attributes:
o Proactive, adaptable, and solution-focused in a dynamic creative environment.
o Confident in leading teams and navigating shifting project demands and timelines.
o Team-oriented approach to Production Management, and a constructive and respectful manner in dealings with colleagues.