Product Manager I

Job Description

The Product Manager I serves as a critical partner to the Design, Production, and Installation teams, ensuring custom storage solutions are accurately reviewed, released, and managed throughout the production lifecycle. This role is responsible for validating project details, supporting designers, coordinating with vendors, tracking project changes, and proactively managing potential issues to ensure projects are completed accurately, on time, and to California Closets standards.

The Product Manager I plays a key role in creating a seamless customer experience by maintaining project accuracy, facilitating communication across departments, and ensuring all projects move efficiently from design approval through production and installation.

Core Responsibilities

Project Review & Quality Assurance

• Thoroughly review all assigned projects prior to production release, ensuring designs meet company standards for accuracy, manufacturability, and installation readiness.
• Utilize CAD software to verify dimensions, product specifications, materials, hardware selections, and overall design integrity.
• Identify missing information, design discrepancies, measurement concerns, and potential production or installation challenges before release.
• Collaborate with designers to resolve issues and implement necessary corrections.
• Ensure production documentation is complete, accurate, and production-ready.
• Maintain a minimum 97% PM success rate through proactive quality control and attention to detail.

Production Planning & Project Flow Management

• Review, prioritize, and process projects within the established production timeline and 8-10 week planning window.
• Monitor project schedules to ensure adherence to the required 5-week production window whenever possible.
• Anticipate and communicate potential delays, special order impacts, or production constraints before they affect installation schedules.
• Release approved projects to production and monitor progress through manufacturing.
• Track project status from design completion through installation to ensure timely execution.

Designer Partnership & Technical Support

• Serve as the primary Product Management resource for an assigned group of designers.
• Schedule and facilitate complexity review meetings to discuss challenging projects, custom applications, and production considerations.
• Provide guidance regarding products, construction methods, measurements, installation requirements, and design functionality.
• Support designers in improving project quality, reducing revisions, and increasing overall success rates.
• Utilize project reviews as coaching opportunities that promote continuous learning and process improvement.

Change Order & Project Modification Management

• Track and manage all project revisions, including:
  • Go-backs
  • Add-ons
  • Change orders
  • Return visits
  • Warranty-related modifications
• Ensure all changes are accurately documented and incorporated into production records.
• Maintain accurate reporting and visibility on project revisions and their impact on scheduling and production.
• Verify that all project updates are properly communicated to affected departments.

Installer & Production Coordination

• Conduct daily project reviews with installers to address upcoming installations, identify concerns, and ensure readiness.
• Act as a liaison between Design, Production, and Installation teams to ensure project requirements are fully understood.
• Escalate unresolved issues and coordinate with the appropriate departments to drive resolution.
• Proactively follow up on concerns that could impact manufacturing, delivery, or installation timelines.
• Visit job sites when necessary to gain field insight, validate project conditions, or assist in problem resolution.

Vendor & Special Order Management

• Coordinate with vendors regarding specialty products, outsourced manufacturing, and custom-order components.
• Track vendor lead times and monitor the status of special-order materials.
• Ensure vendor-produced items align with project specifications and schedule requirements.
• Communicate accurate status updates and projected delivery timelines to stakeholders.
• Proactively address vendor-related delays and identify alternative solutions when needed.

Customer Experience & Issue Resolution

• Recognize the Product Manager's role in delivering an exceptional customer experience from design through installation.
• Take ownership of project-related issues and support resolution efforts when customer concerns arise.
• Collaborate with designers, installers, vendors, and management to resolve issues effectively and professionally.
• Follow through on outstanding concerns until a satisfactory resolution has been achieved.

Communication & Accountability

• Maintain clear, professional, and timely communication with designers, installers, production personnel, vendors, and leadership.
• Provide accurate project status updates and communicate risks, delays, or recurring issues proactively.
• Maintain ownership and accountability for assigned projects and responsibilities.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying process inefficiencies and recommending solutions.
• Speak to projects, go-backs, add-ons, warranties, installation delays, and/or design concerns in daily Operations Meeting.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate exceptional organization, attention to detail, and time-management skills.
• Effectively manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Be dependable, prepared, and responsive to business needs.
• Accept feedback constructively and implement necessary improvements.
• Foster positive working relationships across all departments.
• Consistently uphold California Closets' standards for quality, professionalism, and customer service.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in project coordination, production planning, manufacturing, construction, custom cabinetry, millwork, closets, home improvement, or a related industry.
• Proficiency in CAD software and the ability to interpret technical drawings, floor plans, elevations, and production-related documentation.
• Strong understanding of measurement verification, construction principles, product specifications, and installation requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to identify design inconsistencies, production concerns, and installation challenges before project release.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a proven ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience coordinating across multiple departments and maintaining effective working relationships with internal teams and external vendors.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned projects, and follow through to completion.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with the ability to travel to customer homes, job sites, manufacturing facilities, and vendor locations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the custom closet, cabinetry, millwork, furniture manufacturing, or home organization industry.
• Previous experience working with California Closets products, processes, or CAD design systems.
• Familiarity with production scheduling, manufacturing workflows, inventory management, and vendor coordination.
• Experience supporting field installation teams and resolving job-site issues.
• Knowledge of residential construction methods, building materials, and finish carpentry practices.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills preferred.

Additional Information

Key Competencies

• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Customer-focused mindset with a desire to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
• Ability to anticipate issues and proactively develop solutions.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility in managing changing priorities.
• Accountability, professionalism, and a results-driven approach.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to visit manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and customer job sites as needed.
• Ability to visually inspect plans, measurements, product specifications, and production documents with a high degree of accuracy.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $30-$35 hourly
• End of year performance bonus 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Professional development and advancement opportunities

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Company Description

Founded in 1978, California Closets has built a reputation as the leader and design authority in premium space management, delivering custom-designed organizational solutions and exceptional service. We believe home is more than just a place - it should be a source of creativity, comfort, and connection. From beautiful walk-in closets and entertainment centers to versatile pantries and home offices, we design custom storage solutions that add value to your life and home by making space for what belongs. Think of it as ‘practical magic.’