Lead Furniture Maker / Shop Foreman

Where Wood Meets Steel · Denver, CO
High-End Custom Woodworking, Furniture, Fixtures, Cabinets & Countertops

Compensation: $30 – $40 / hr
Schedule: Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Type: Full-Time
Pay Cycle: Weekly

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COMPANY OVERVIEW

Where Wood Meets Steel designs and builds high-end custom furniture and fixtures for living, working, and lifestyle spaces throughout Denver. We fabricate both wood and metal pieces, specializing in transforming locally sourced trees into slabs, lumber, and finished products.

We are a small, skilled shop where everyone wears multiple hats. Flexibility, craftsmanship, and a willingness to contribute to the overall direction of the company are essential.

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POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Lead Furniture Maker / Shop Foreman who is equal parts craftsman, problem-solver, and leader. This role oversees shop management, fabrication, and installation of custom wood products using specialized tools and advanced woodworking techniques and assists in project planning.

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PORTRAIT OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Demonstrates excellent wood fabrication skills
• Communicates clearly, proactively, and professionally
• Solves problems creatively and effectively
• Maintains strong organizational habits
• Accepts direction while confidently leading others
• Thrives in a collaborative, small-shop environment
• Takes pride in the quality and finish of every piece, not just the deadline
• Comfortable with ambiguity — small shops don't always have a playbook

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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fabricate wood, engineered wood, and wood-like products per project specifications
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot woodworking tools and machinery
• Assist with estimating, project design, and project management
• Lead daily shop operations and oversee production workflow
• Train, mentor, and oversee junior shop workers or interns
• Explore new techniques, joinery methods, and materials to expand shop capabilities
• Build custom wood products using real hardwoods
• Manage priority tasks, deadlines, and project sequencing
• Collaborate on custom countertops, furniture, some cabinetry and specialty builds
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized shop environment
• Perform additional duties as needed

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REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of professional woodworking craftsmanship
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and guide a team
• Ability to work independently on complex, high-precision builds
• Ability to perform physical labor including lifting, standing for extended periods, and operating heavy machinery
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and positive attitude
• Must have reliable transportation (occasional job-site visits required)
• Must pass a background check

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TOOLS & MACHINERY

Core Machinery
• Table Saw
• Jointer
• Thickness Planer
• Compound Miter Saw
• Bandsaw
• Drill Press
• Router & Router Table
• Dust Collection Systems
• Surfacing Planer

Power Tools
• Drill & Impact Driver
• Random Orbital Sander
• Jigsaw
• Track Saw / Circular Saw

Hand Tools
• Chisels (bench & mortise)
• Measuring & marking tools
• Hand saws (pull-saws, backsaws)
• Hand planes
• Mallet & hammer
• Rasps & files

Workholding & Safety
• Clamps
• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Dust protection

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BENEFITS

• Health Insurance (employer contribution)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Bi-Weekly Pay

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