What does a wood workshop manager do?
The Wood Workshop Manager plays a crucial role in managing and organising a workshop that manufactures wood products, such as carpentry pieces, timber structures, or other wooden elements. They are responsible for coordinating production teams, supervising operations, ensuring the proper functioning of equipment, and managing stock levels. This position requires advanced technical skills in wood fabrication, as well as expertise in management to ensure efficient and high-quality production while adhering to deadlines and safety standards.
DUTIES OF A Wood Workshop Manager
The responsibilities of the Wood Workshop Manager are diverse and encompass various aspects of production management. Their primary tasks include:
Work organisation and planning: The Workshop Manager plans production according to orders and available resources. They assign tasks to the different teams, organise workflows, and ensure optimal use of machines and materials to guarantee a continuous and smooth production process.
Team management: They supervise operators, craftsmen, and technicians, ensuring that each team member follows the work and safety instructions. The manager also ensures that their teams have the necessary skills and may arrange training if required. Managing personnel also involves motivating staff and maintaining a positive work atmosphere.
Production supervision: The Workshop Manager monitors the progress of production, checking the quality of the manufactured products and ensuring that deadlines are met. They may step in to resolve technical issues or adjust schedules in case of delays or unforeseen events. They are also responsible for the proper functioning of the workshop’s machinery and tools, which includes overseeing regular maintenance and managing repairs in the event of breakdowns to minimise production interruptions.
Stock management: The Wood Workshop Manager ensures that raw materials and consumables (wood, varnish, nails, etc.) are always available in sufficient quantities to maintain uninterrupted production. They are also responsible for managing finished product stock and ensuring that orders are prepared and shipped on time. The manager must possess solid technical expertise in wood manufacturing and a good understanding of industrial processes and management tools. Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD/CAM) and inventory management software is often essential for optimising production.
What qualities are needed to do this job?
On the human side, management skills are necessary to lead a production team, resolve conflicts, and ensure smooth communication between different departments (production, quality, maintenance, etc.).
In terms of education, the Professional Bachelor’s Degree from ENSTIB is ideal for accessing this role. Experience as a technician or operator is also a valuable asset to understand the specifics of the job and the daily challenges of production. This position offers opportunities for advancement to roles such as Production Director or Plant Manager, with broader responsibilities in industrial management and leadership.