Full-Time, Permanent | Portland ,Tennessee| On-site | Reports to Director of Manufacturing
About Bunkie Life
At Bunkie Life, we're more than a manufacturer of small cabin kits -- we help families across North America create space for connection, play, and lifelong memories. Our easy-to-assemble bunkie kits allow clients to build their dream retreats in a single weekend, fostering connection and togetherness.
As a growing leader in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality products and exceptional client experiences. Join our team and be part of a mission that combines craftsmanship, creativity, and family values.
Our values:
- All In
- Authentic & Real
- Permission to Play
- Go-Getter
- Humble
About the Role
The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations at our Tennessee manufacturing facility, ensuring production activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company objectives. This role plays a critical part in driving operational performance, managing teams, and ensuring customer expectations for quality and delivery are consistently achieved.
As this will be a newly established manufacturing facility, the Production Manager will have the unique opportunity to play a foundational role in building and growing operations from the ground up. During the early stages, this position will require a more hands-on approach — supporting production activities directly, helping establish and train on processes, building teams, and creating operational structure. You will also play a pivotal role in sourcing vendors, materials, and equipment.
As the facility grows and operations mature, the role will progressively transition into a more strategic leadership position focused on operational oversight, inventory management, vendor management, team development, process optimization, and long-term growth initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a strong leader with experience in woodworking, manufacturing operations, inventory management, production planning, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Production Manager will foster a culture focused on safety, accountability, efficiency, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Production Management
- Support the establishment and implementation of operational processes, procedures, and production systems during facility startup and growth phases.
- Oversee and coordinate all day-to-day manufacturing operations within the facility.
- Develop, monitor, and adjust production schedules to meet customer demands and delivery timelines.
- Ensure production targets, quality standards, and operational goals are consistently achieved.
- Collaborate with supervisors and cross-functional teams to maintain efficient workflow and production continuity.
- Monitor production performance metrics and provide regular reporting to leadership.
Team Leadership & Staffing
- Recruit, train, develop, and manage production personnel.
- Lead employee performance management, coaching, and disciplinary processes as required.
- Oversee workforce scheduling and payroll administration.
- Foster a positive, accountable, and solutions-oriented work environment that supports employee engagement and productivity.
- Assist in building the operational leadership structure as the facility expands.
Health & Safety
- Represent management on the Health and Safety Committee.
- Promote and maintain a strong culture of workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure all employees follow company safety policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Participate in safety initiatives, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination
- Manage inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to support uninterrupted production.
- Forecast material, equipment, and supply requirements.
- Coordinate sourcing activities and outbound logistics to ensure smooth product flow and timely order fulfillment.
- Work closely with suppliers, logistics providers, and internal teams to maintain operational efficiency.
Equipment & Machine Management
- Support the sourcing, acquisition, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment and machinery as operations expand.
- Coordinate and participate in equipment setup, optimization, and operational integration within the facility.
- Monitor equipment performance and work closely with maintenance personnel and external service providers to minimize downtime.
- Establish and maintain preventative maintenance schedules and procedures to support equipment reliability, longevity, and production continuity.
- Assist in evaluating future equipment needs and identifying opportunities for automation, process improvement, and increased production capacity.
Continuous Improvement & Cost Management
- Drive operational efficiency and waste reduction initiatives across all areas of production.
- Analyze workflows, equipment performance, and material utilization to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Implement process improvements focused on productivity, quality enhancement, and cost reduction.
- Review and manage departmental budgets while controlling operational expenses.
- Develop strategies to maximize output while maintaining high standards of quality and resource utilization.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably as a Production Manager or similar position.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production scheduling, and inventory management.
- Proven leadership and team management experience.
- Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations and best practices.
- Experience with continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiency programs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Comfortable rolling up your sleeves on the floor and stepping back into strategic leadership as the business demands.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation package
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
- Collaborative and team-oriented work environment
- A chance to build something from the ground up and put your mark on it
Our Hiring Process
Please note: We are actively working toward the launch of our Tennessee facility and are sourcing candidates now for this role. This position is building toward something meaningful and want the right person in place when we're ready to move. If you're excited about the opportunity to get in early and help shape something from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you.
We believe in a transparent process that respects your time. Here's what to expect:
- Application -- Apply through Indeed
- Skills Questionnaire -- A short written assessment (approximately 10 minutes)
- Bunkie Life Video -- Get a feel for who we are from our founder and leadership team
- Video Response -- Send us a short video so we can see how you communicate
- Skills Assessment -- A role-specific online assessment
- Interviews -- One to two conversations with our leadership team
- Paid Day -- Spend a day with the team. You evaluate us as much as we evaluate you
- Offer -- If it's a match, we move fast
If this resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you. Check us out on our website and social channels -- and make sure you watch our pitch on Dragon's Den.
Equal Opportunity, Accessibility & Accommodations
Bunkie Life is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We comply with applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws, including the ADA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- What are your salary expectations?
- This is a full-time, on-site role in Portland TN. Are you able to commute or relocate?
Work Location: In person
