Shop Manager / Buyer

The Shop Manager / Buyer is responsible for overseeing daily shop operations while managing purchasing, inventory, production scheduling, and workflow to ensure projects are completed efficiently, on time, and in accordance with company quality standards.

This role combines hands-on leadership with operational planning, supplier management, and team coordination. The successful candidate will ensure the shop has the materials, tools, equipment, and resources necessary to support production, installation, and service teams.

The Shop Manager / Buyer will lead by example, promote a safe and organized work environment, and continuously improve processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shop Operations & Team Leadership

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the cabinetmaking shop, coordinating workflow, production priorities, staffing, and resources to meet project deadlines.

Provide hands-on leadership and technical support to cabinetmakers, CNC operators, assemblers, and other shop team members.

Guide the team on cabinet construction, fabrication methods, joinery, assembly techniques, and practical solutions to manufacturing challenges.

Monitor production progress, workmanship, productivity, and quality, addressing issues proactively to prevent delays or defects in finished products.

Coordinate with project managers, designers, installers, and other departments to ensure work is properly planned and ready for production.

Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient shop environment, ensuring equipment and work areas are properly maintained.

2. Cabinetry Detailing & Technical Expertise

Prepare accurate shop detail sheets and fabrication drawings based on project drawings, specifications, and design information.

Verify dimensions, construction details, and fabrication requirements to ensure cabinetry can be manufactured and installed efficiently.

Calculate and verify material quantities, including sheet goods, lumber, edging, hardware, and other components, to minimize waste and prevent shortages.

Apply extensive knowledge of cabinet hardware, including hinges, drawer runners, slides, lifting systems, pull-outs, interior fittings, and specialized mechanisms.

Specify appropriate hardware and verify compatibility with cabinet dimensions, construction methods, functional requirements, and design specifications.

Identify potential detailing or fabrication issues before production begins and collaborate with the appropriate team members to resolve them.

Recommend improvements to construction methods, material utilization, hardware selection, and production processes.

3. Purchasing, Supplier & Inventory Management

Take ownership of purchasing materials, hardware, consumables, and other supplies required for shop production.

Review shop detail sheets, material take-offs, and upcoming production schedules to ensure accurate purchasing quantities and timely material availability.

Obtain and compare supplier quotations, negotiate pricing where appropriate, and maintain strong relationships with reliable suppliers.

Monitor supplier lead times, stock availability, delivery accuracy, and product quality to prevent production delays.

Manage inventory levels, maintain accurate stock records, and establish appropriate reordering procedures for commonly used materials and hardware.

Coordinate deliveries and verify incoming materials and components against purchase orders and specifications.

Identify opportunities to reduce purchasing costs, material waste, and excess inventory while maintaining quality standards.

Work closely with shop personnel and project managers to resolve material shortages, product substitutions, and supply issues.

4. Inventory Management

Maintain accurate inventory records for materials, hardware, tools, and supplies.

Establish and maintain effective inventory control procedures.

Monitor stock levels and reorder materials as required.

Organize storage areas to improve accessibility, organization, and operational efficiency.

Track material usage and identify opportunities to reduce waste.

5. Production Planning & Coordination

Review project schedules and coordinate material availability with production requirements.

Work closely with project managers and installers to ensure projects are properly prepared and scheduled.

Coordinate deliveries, pickups, and material movement as required.

Assist in resolving production delays, scheduling conflicts, and material shortages.

Ensure completed products are properly prepared for delivery or installation.

6. Quality Control & Safety

Maintain high standards of workmanship throughout the production process.

Conduct regular shop inspections to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

Ensure tools, machinery, and equipment are properly maintained.

Promote compliance with workplace health and safety policies and procedures.

Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and efficient shop environment.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in cabinet manufacturing, millwork, construction, or a related industry.

Previous experience managing a production shop or leading a skilled trades team.

Strong knowledge of cabinetry, woodworking, materials, hardware, and manufacturing processes.

Experience in purchasing, supplier management, and inventory control.

Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.

Ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage competing deadlines.

Excellent communication, leadership, and team management abilities.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Proficiency with computers, inventory management systems, and Microsoft Office or similar software.

Valid driver's licence.

Bilingual Communication — Mandatory Requirement

Fluency in both English and French, with the ability to communicate clearly and confidently in both languages, verbally and in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively with shop team members, management, project managers, designers, suppliers, installers, and other stakeholders to ensure instructions, technical details, and production requirements are clearly understood.

Ability to lead and support a bilingual team, ensuring all team members understand work priorities, fabrication methods, safety requirements, and quality expectations.

Ability to translate technical information, clarify shop detail sheets, and explain fabrication requirements as needed to support accurate and efficient production.

Language Requirement: Fluency in both English and French is essential for this position, as the Shop Manager / Buyer must coordinate work and communicate effectively with all parties involved in the project and production processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, or the renovation industry.

Experience with ERP systems, project management software, or manufacturing software.

Knowledge of CNC production workflows.

Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing purchasing budgets.

WHMIS, First Aid, or other workplace health and safety certifications.

Skills & Competencies

Leadership and team management

Production scheduling and coordination

Purchasing, negotiation, and cost management

Inventory management and control

Strong knowledge of cabinetry and millwork

Problem-solving and decision-making

Attention to detail and accuracy

Organization and time management

Cost control and continuous improvement

Supplier relationship management

Commitment to workplace safety and product quality

Physical Requirements

Ability to walk throughout a manufacturing environment for extended periods.

Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg).

Comfort working around machinery, tools, and active production environments.

Ability to assist with hands-on shop tasks when required.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

Efficient shop workflow and effective production scheduling.

Projects completed on time and within budget.

Accurate purchasing and timely availability of materials.

Improved inventory control and reduced material waste.

Strong supplier relationships and effective cost management.

High-quality finished products with minimal rework.

Effective leadership, training, and development of shop employees.

A safe, organized, and productive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience.

Paid vacation and statutory holidays.

Company vehicle or mileage allowance, where applicable.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a hands-on leader who understands both the craftsmanship and operational demands of a custom manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing shop leadership, purchasing responsibilities, and day-to-day problem-solving.

This role is well suited to someone who enjoys working with people, improving processes, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring the team has the materials, equipment, and support needed to deliver exceptional products.

The successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining production efficiency, controlling costs, supporting team performance, and upholding Millstrong Cabinets' standards of quality and service.