Description
Executive Manager
Architectural Millwork & Casework
Location: Lehigh Valley / Emmaus, PA (On-site)
Type: Full-Time | Senior Leadership | Executive role
We’re hiring an Executive Manager to bring predictable execution to a complex architectural millwork & casework operation.
This is a senior leadership seat for an operator who can own the handoff chain—from estimating → project management → engineering → production → delivery/installation—and make sure each team receives the right information, at the right time, with clear standards and accountability.
If you’re the person organizations turn to when projects start to drift—because you build structure, drive SOP discipline, run meetings that produce decisions, and protect margin before commitments are made—this role is built for you.
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Executive Summary
We are hiring an Executive Manager to lead end-to-end execution across our architectural millwork & casework operation.
This role is intentionally designed for an operator who demonstrates executive-level leadership, disciplined operating rhythm, and consistent margin protection through better handoffs and standards.
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Core Mandate
Your mandate is to own operational flow and execution quality across departments—ensuring information transfers cleanly, handoffs are disciplined, SOPs are followed, and teams are aligned to deliver on schedule and profitability.
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Key Responsibilities
1) End-to-End Execution Flow & Handoffs
• Manage and streamline flow of information across departments impacting execution (Project Management, Engineering, Production, Installation—and the supporting functions that affect them).
• Lead structured handoff on newly awarded work to ensure scope clarity, schedule alignment, and risk identification prior to release to engineering.
• Prevent downstream rework by enforcing front-end clarity and documentation so the next team can hit deadlines.
2) Leadership of Project Execution
• Oversee and develop Project Managers and ensure project execution consistency.
• Coordinate manpower planning to align staffing levels, workload, and timing.
• Support disciplined change management to protect scope definition and margin.
3) Operating Rhythm
• Chair recurring production/coordination meetings with agendas, decisions, and follow-through.
• Coordinate scheduling procedures with scheduling leadership to align shop capacity and commitments.
4) SOP Discipline, Standardization & Continuous Improvement
• Develop, maintain, and enforce departmental and company SOPs that scale.
• Partner with production leadership on quality control and delivery process improvements.
5) Margin Protection
• Validate major buyouts and compare buyout cost versus estimated values prior to execution to protect margins.
• Partner with purchasing to improve vendor accountability and avoid preventable cost drift.
6) Inventory & Cost Visibility
• Improve project costing visibility and reporting from start to completion.
• Support quarterly and year-end inventory processes and inventory management discipline.
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What Success Looks Like (First 90–180 Days)
• Handoffs become consistent and disciplined; fewer downstream surprises and rework.
• SOPs become real operating standards (written, followed, enforced).
• Buyout decisions are reviewed against estimate before commitment—margin protected earlier, not explained later.
• Production coordination has a predictable cadence and improved execution outcomes.
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Ideal Candidate
This role is for a leader who already performs at an executive level and is ready to grow into broader operational leadership based on results.
• Senior operations leadership in architectural millwork/casework or similar custom manufacturing with project execution complexity.
• Proven ability to implement SOP discipline and improve cross-functional execution.
• Strong judgment around cost control and margin protection through better handoffs and buyout validation.
• Comfortable holding peers accountable and running decision-driven meetings.
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Compensation & Growth Path
• Competitive executive compensation aligned with experience.
• Clear growth path based on measurable execution improvements and leadership impact.
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Medical benefits
• Two weeks sick, personal & vacation
