Finishing Assistant Manager

FINISHING ASSISTANT MANAGER

APPARATUS is a New York-based designer and manufacturer of a distinctive catalog of high-end, high-touch lighting, furniture and decorative accessories.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Support the day-to-day operations of the team to meet or exceed Production and launch calendar commitments and ensure uninterrupted workflow; schedule and manage work orders with real-time system updates.


• Perform production duties, including: immersion and hand-applied patinas, color matching, hand polishing-waxing-buffing according to work instructions, and prepare products, as needed.  


• Produce consistent and high-quality work, on-time and according to department standards.


• Maintain expert-level aesthetic, functional and quality understanding of all active collections.


• Accountable for accurate and complete work instructions that meet internal standards and are clear to the Finishing and Product departments.


• Train and mentor team members, setting the standard for best practices for the Finishing department.


• Perform quality control inspection. Identify, communicate and address opportunities for improvement. 


• Lead by example, promote safety, skill-building, continuous improvement and change adoption, drive excellence in productivity and quality.


• Support management team in leadership and continuous refinement of team practices.


• Collaborate with APPARATUS Product department on cross-functional product design needs such as product improvement and new development.


• Give technical guidance for the Product and Sales teams as needed.


• Monitor production reports. Understand and act on key department performance metrics. 


• Maintain a clean, organized and safe workspace in accordance with regulatory and company policies; advance overall department organization and safety.


• Perform key department opening and closing duties. 


• Perform Finishing department equipment/facilities maintenance and inspections as needed.


• Foster positive and productive work relationships with those inside and outside the organization.


• Comply with all Company and regulatory policies, attend training sessions as required, guide and train team members as necessary.


• Support company initiatives and projects on an as-needed basis.

SKILLS 

• Expert-level cold patina and metal finishing skills.


• Trained in quality control methodology and inspection, and care and handling standards.


• Highly skilled manual dexterity, use of tools and equipment, including, polishing tools and materials.


• Strong understanding of hand-applied patination and immersion tankline finishing systems.


• Well-developed technical and aesthetic sense with eye for detail.


• Qualified to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and specifications.


• Proficient with software and systems. 


• In-depth understanding of production operations, dependencies, and impacts on people and processes.


• Able to effectively communicate, demonstrate and teach; professionally give thoughtful feedback and coach to positive results.


• Excellent work ethic, demonstrated by a high level of output; ability to self-motivate; ability to manage priorities with a sense of urgency.


• Enjoys working collaboratively, ability to both lead and take direction.


• Able to respond professionally to critical feedback and proactive in seeking support and help when needed.


• Able to manage time, communicate about resources and capabilities, meet deadlines, and manage up consistently and effectively.


• Excellent organizational skills and accuracy in detail.


• Able to perceive color and texture.


• Solid problem-solving skills.


• Able to routinely raise arms over head, reach, bend and regularly lift up to 30 pounds (and occasionally more).


• Able to work standing for an extended period of time.


• Able to climb a ladder.


• Able to wear appropriate protective equipment and abide by safety policies and guidelines while working with any hazardous materials/equipment.


• Able to operate heavy machinery or equipment.


• Reliable and trustworthy.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years in a comparable role and business, specializing in high quality products. 


• Bachelor’s degree: Studio Art or Craft concentration a plus.


• Firm grasp of production and management principles.


• Material and manufacturing knowledge of metal, glass, porcelain and leather.


• Background working in a collaborative team environment that values excellence and efficiency.


• Salesforce and/or ERP knowledge a plus.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time on-site hours: Monday–Friday between 8:00AM–5:00PM.


• Longer hours and weekend availability as needed.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Weekly 1:1s and management meeting.


• Annual performance reviews.

Salary from $28/hour

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our APPARATUS PRODUCTION facility in Red Hook. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.