Employer: Van Dam Custom Boats
Location: 970 E Division St, Van Dam Custom Boats, Boyne City, MI 49712, United States
Email Address: vandam@vandamboats.com
Position Title: PRODUCTION MANAGER & PROJECT MANAGER—VAN DAM CUSTOM BOATS WORK FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S PREMIER WOODEN BOAT BUILDERS
Compensation/Rate: Negotiable
Job Description: THE POSITION—VAN DAM is seeking a skilled and driven team member to manage projects and serve as the Production Manager. As a Project Manager, you will oversee customer projects, ensuring they are running on time and budget and facilitating proactive communication with the customer. As the Production Manager, you are at the center of the overall shop schedule, managing the full pipeline of work, and assigning it to the Project Managers to implement in partnership with the Department Managers. This pivotal role and Executive Team member ensures production goals are met with a focus on quality, safety, and efficiency.
Candidates must have mid-level experience in production management, with the ability to manage six weeks of production independently and plan six months ahead. Expertise in the marine industry and boatbuilding is essential, along with strong attention to detail, leadership skills, and a commitment to high quality work.
Daily, the Production Manager ensures that staffing, materials, and tools align with production needs so that the customer’s projects are on time and on budget. Weekly, the Production Manager plans for the next five weeks of the sales pipeline, prioritizing work and scheduling each department’s workload. Monthly, this role is analyzing the season’s sales pipeline to make sure the shop’s capacity aligns with sold work, ensuring high billing efficiency, a seamless workflow, and sufficient allocation of resources.
We are looking for someone who is thirsty for a rewarding and challenging career at our world-renowned, small family business. We aim to be the best in the industry; this is a dynamic opportunity for a passionate professional to contribute to VAN DAM’s tradition of excellence in craftsmanship.
TIMELINE: Applications due 2/17/25; Stage 1 screening calls will take place 2/17-2/21/25; Stage 2 working interviews will take place 2/24-3/7/25; Desired start date is 3/24/25 or sooner.
THE COMPANY—Van Dam Custom Boats, located in Boyne City, Michigan, has been building custom, high-performance wood composite boats since 1977. Known for our exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, we blend traditional techniques with modern engineering and technology. Joining our team means becoming part of a legacy of excellence in boatbuilding, where you'll work on some of the most exciting projects in the industry. Our crew, consisting of highly skilled craftspeople and apprentices, is dedicated to perfection. With an expansive shop equipped with state-of-the-art tools, you'll thrive in our dynamic and collaborative environment. Whether you're an experienced boat builder or starting your career, Van Dam offers a unique opportunity to be part of something truly special. We have a backlog stretching into 2026, and growth opportunities abound, with training available in project leadership, build management, and technical skills. Join us in our quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world.
BENEFITS:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Profit Sharing Bonus
• Open Book Management
• Company Paid Training and Education—Industry Certifications
• After hours use of shop and company tools
• $200 Crew gear allowance
• Annual Tool Allowance
• $1,500 Employee Referral Program
• Opportunities for advancement
• Company sponsored events
• Reliable schedule with very few weekends
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Production and Resource Coordination: Oversee the shop schedule, align project timelines with shop capacity, and ensure staffing, materials, and tools are prepared for production. Ensure production goals align with sales pipeline and business needs, and forecast future capacity and ability to sell additional work. Adjust schedules as needed to meet objectives.
• Project Management Support: Manage customer projects as a Project Manager, and collaborate with and provide guidance to Project Managers to ensure project timelines, budgets, customer expectations are met.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and develop a team of up to 20 manufacturing staff and facilitate weekly production meetings with Project Managers and Department Managers to ensure production goals are met.
• Process Improvement: Drive efficiency through lean manufacturing principles, monitor workflows, and implement small-scale continuous improvement projects in collaboration with department managers.
• Production Tracking and Cost Management: Track production metrics, generate reports on project progress, manage resource allocations, and plan adjustments based on data.
• Drive Culture and Team Collaboration: Promote a positive, productive culture of teamwork, energy, and purpose within the shop.
• Apprenticeship Program Oversight: Support the team of Apprentices by providing mentorship and tracking their progress through the program.
• Safety and Compliance: Maintain a safe and clean shop environment, lead safety training, address compliance issues, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Proven ability to manage shop schedules, coordinate cross-functional teams, monitor multiple projects, and work collaboratively across departments.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with exceptional communication skills.
• Highly skilled in Microsoft software package, specifically Excel, MS Project, and Word.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills, with a focus on building lasting relationships.
• Good understanding of ABYC standards (Certifications Desired)
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required
• 5 or more years of experience in a production management or service management role with a focus on scheduling and resource coordination.
• Physical Demands: Ability to consistently lift 50 pounds, climb stairs and ladders etc.
TO APPLY:
Please read the full job description, then submit your letter of interest, resume, and references to www.vandamboats.com/careers
COMPANY WEBSITE: http://www.vandamboats.com