Woodshop & Fabrication Manager

Company Overview At Activate, we are renowned for crafting extraordinary experiences that make a lasting impact for some of the world's most influential brands. Our expertise spans the production of kits, mobile tours, and standout live events, enhancing brand visibility and strengthening customer loyalty. As a WBENC-certified company, we take pride in fostering an inclusive work environment that emphasizes growth, offers competitive benefits, and champions collaboration. Position Summary The Fabrication Manager leads Activate’s fabrication function, overseeing the planning, development, and construction of custom physical environments and assets for experiential programs. This role translates creative concepts into practical, high-quality build solutions while managing shop workflow, people, resources, budgets, and timelines. Working closely with Production and Operations leadership, the Fabrication Manager provides technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle—from early concepting and estimating through prototyping, fabrication, installation, and strike. This role requires a strong fabrication background, creative problem-solving ability, and the leadership experience to develop a high-performing fabrication team. Key Responsibilities Fabrication Strategy & Technical Direction Review creative concepts, renderings, drawings, and project requirements to determine appropriate fabrication methods, materials, structural approaches, and build strategies. Translate creative ideas into practical fabrication solutions that balance design intent, quality, durability, budget, timeline, transportation, and installation requirements. Provide technical direction on complex or unconventional builds and develop solutions when established fabrication methods do not exist. Guide prototyping, testing, and design-to-build development to identify challenges before full production begins. Review and approve fabrication drawings, shop drawings, cut lists, material specifications, and build plans. Recommend alternative materials, methods, or approaches that improve quality, efficiency, durability, or cost effectiveness. Pre-Production & Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Production leadership during pre-production to understand program objectives, creative intent, budgets, timelines, and client expectations. Collaborate with the Operations Manager to ensure fabricated assets are designed and prepared for successful transportation, installation, operation, strike, and storage. Participate in project planning early enough to identify fabrication requirements, risks, lead times, labor needs, and feasibility concerns. Develop fabrication estimates, including labor hours, materials, equipment, specialty services, and outside vendor requirements. Provide fabrication expertise during internal creative and production discussions, helping teams understand what is possible and how concepts can best be brought to life. Shop & Production Management Manage the day-to-day operation of Activate’s fabrication shop, including project scheduling, workflow, staffing, prioritization, and resource allocation. Maintain visibility across current and upcoming fabrication projects to anticipate capacity constraints, material needs, and competing deadlines. Establish and continuously improve shop processes that increase efficiency, consistency, quality, and scalability. Oversee procurement and inventory of lumber, hardware, consumables, materials, tools, and fabrication supplies. Ensure tools, machinery, and shop equipment are properly maintained, serviced, and available to support production needs. Determine when work should be completed internally versus outsourced based on capability, capacity, timeline, quality, and cost. Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and develop Activate’s fabrication team, establishing clear expectations for craftsmanship, productivity, safety, accountability, and teamwork. Assign projects and res…

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