Position description:
Manayunk Timber is a full-service woodworking shop and lumber mill in the heart of Philadelphia that focuses on reclaimed woods and local hardwoods. The Shop Manager role is multi-dimensional, involving a bit of everything, from customer service, to managing the day-to-day activities and operations of the shop, to executing orders for clients. This individual should have previous experience in a woodworking shop (and operating machinery and tools), be willing to work both indoors and outdoors, and be excited about interfacing with customers. We are also looking for someone who is detail-oriented, can work autonomously and collaboratively, can problem solve, and that thrives in creative environments.
Roles and responsibilities:
Shop operation
- Ensure the smooth operation of the shop and lumber yard. This will be done collaboratively with the co-owners of Manayunk Timber and will involve problem solving to improve workflow efficiency and even creating new operations processes. This could include working with the co-owners to build a new finishing room, developing a system for displaying and selling retail lumber, etc.
- Communicate with MT co-owners promptly as issues arise and suggest improvements for managing the shop and lumber yard operations.
- Inventory and order supplies for shop on a weekly basis.
Customer service
- This is a very important part of the job. The Shop Manager is a sales-oriented role. This individual must be proactive in approaching customers that walk-in to the shop in a friendly and curious manner and be willing and excited to help with a wide range of questions and job fulfillment issues.
Woodworking jobs
- The Shop Manager is responsible for executing woodworking jobs from start to finish: this includes devising a plan with the clients, writing a materials list, pulling materials, and finishing the job (either autonomously or collaboratively). Jobs could include fabricated beams, countertops, shelves, and custom furniture.
- It is very important that this person can get jobs out the door efficiently and in a timely manner, communicates when there is an issue, and problem solves as issues arrive.
- There are often multiple jobs being done simultaneously, so the Shop Manager must be able to multi-task and prioritize deadlines in a collaborative environment.
Additional responsibilities
- Shop machinery upkeep (sharpening knowledge a plus)
- Willing to learn to work the Wood-Mizer bandsaw; Manayunk Timber is the only fully operational lumber mill in Philadelphia and we hope everyone who works with us is excited to learn how to use the saw.
Requirements/experience:
- 2+ years of experience in a woodshop environment (includes using woodshop tools and machinery); experience with a bandsaw is a plus
- Willing to work on optimizing operations flow for a woodshop; a plus would be existing operations experience, including managing day to day operations
- Customer service experience a plus; at the very least, candidates should be excited and open to working with customers to complete whatever project they have in mind
- Detail oriented, able to work autonomously and collectively, able to multi-task
- Willing and able to problem solve, to learn to new things, and to participate in all aspects of the shop/lumber yard
- Self-motivated, which means showing up to work on time
- Open and proactive communicator
- Experience with casework and some joinery a plus
Work environment and physical demands:
The work environment is dusty and noisy, and the role includes working inside and outside in all weather. The physical requirements also include lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, the manual dexterity necessarily to operate machinery, standing (up to 8 hours a day), reaching, bending, stooping, twisting, and kneeling.
Pay and benefits:
- The Shop Manager position is either part time (20 hours/week) or full time (40 hours/week) depending on the needs of Manayunk Timber and the interests of the candidate
- Pay is commensurate with experience
- Benefits include unlimited vacation and sick days
Application instructions:
Send an email to [email protected] with a brief description of why you are a good match for the role and why you want to work at Manayunk Timber. Please also attach your resume (and mention any special skills or interests that you think would be relevant).