The Real Duties of a Production Manager in the Stone Countertop Industry
Running production in a stone countertop shop is fast paced and hands on. A Production Manager is the person who keeps the shop moving, makes sure work is done the right way, and helps the crew stay on schedule. Here is what the job looks like in a typical stone shop.
What a Production Manager Actually Does
1. Keeps the Shop on Schedule
Plans the daily and weekly workload so cutting, polishing and installs are completed on time
Watches for problems such as machine delays, missing materials, short staff or remakes and adjusts the plan
Works with the office, templaters and install teams so everyone is aligned on the schedule
2. Leads the Team
Manages fabricators, polishers, CNC operators and sometimes installers
Sets expectations and helps new or less experienced workers learn the shop’s standards
Keeps the team focused and maintains a steady work environment even during busy periods
3. Manages Materials and Workflow
Makes sure slabs, sinks, brackets and shop supplies are ready before a job hits the saw
Coordinates with suppliers and monitors inventory so the crew is never waiting on materials
Reduces waste and rework by setting up clear and efficient processes on the shop floor
4. Maintains Quality and Safety
Checks work throughout the day, including edges, seams, cutouts and polish quality
Confirms that jobs leave the shop ready for installation with minimal issues
Enforces basic safety practices related to forklifts, cranes, blade changes and general shop operations
Experience Employers Look For
Most stone shops value hands on experience more than formal education. They often look for:
Experience in stone fabrication or similar construction trades
Leadership experience gained by running crews or supervising a small team
Strong understanding of shop flow from templating to install
Ability to read drawings, work orders and simple production schedules
Confidence making decisions during busy or stressful periods
A background as a lead fabricator, installer lead or shop supervisor is often the best path into this role.
What Makes Someone Effective in This Role
Shops usually want a Production Manager who can:
Stay calm when things get hectic
Solve problems quickly and keep the workload moving
Hold the team accountable in a fair and steady way
Stay organized and communicate clearly
Balance speed, quality and cost when making decisions
This job requires someone who takes ownership of the work and understands how each part of the shop affects the rest of the process.
If You’re Exploring This Career Path
Production Managers have a major impact on whether a stone shop runs well. At Bronwick, we work with fabrication companies across the country that need strong leaders who understand shop operations and the realities of day to day production.
If you have experience running crews or managing shop work and are ready for the next step, our team can help you find the right opportunity.
