Overview
Lead Cabinetmaker & Operations Lead Jobs in Port Alberni, BC at De Vries Fine Woodworking Inc.
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Lead Cabinetmaker & Operations Lead to join our custom cabinetmaking shop in Port Alberni, BC. This is a growth-oriented leadership role for someone who can help carry the day-to-day responsibilities of a busy custom shop, beginning with hands-on cabinetmaking, shop leadership, production workflow, staff supervision, and quality control. Over time, the role may expand into broader operational responsibility, including project review, installation coordination, and long-term business leadership.
We are looking for a skilled, steady, and solutions-focused person who may be interested in future partnership or ownership discussions as part of our long-term succession planning.
About the Role
This is not an entry-level cabinetmaking position.
This role is for someone who understands custom cabinetry, can lead people, can make practical decisions, and can help keep projects moving through the shop with care and accuracy.
The successful candidate will work closely with the business owner and office team. At the start, the role will focus on hands-on cabinetmaking, shop leadership, production workflow, staff supervision, and quality control. As trust, systems knowledge, and business understanding develop, there may be opportunity for the role to grow into broader operational responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and assemble custom cabinetry, millwork, and furniture-quality components
- Read, interpret, and work from shop drawings, plans, and specifications
- Review project details before production to identify missing information, conflicts, or potential issues
- Help organize daily shop workflow based on project priorities and timelines
- Supervise, guide, and support cabinetmakers, installers, and shop staff
- Help assign work and keep the team focused and productive
- Maintain quality control throughout the build process
- Operate woodworking machinery and shop equipment safely and accurately
- Assist with material review, hardware review, and production planning
- Troubleshoot construction, fit, finish, and installation details
- Assist with site measurements, deliveries, and installations when required
- Communicate professionally with the owner, office, drafting, installers, suppliers, contractors, and designers
- Help train and mentor less experienced team members
- Support a clean, organized, and efficient shop environment
- Take ownership of assigned projects from production through completion
Leadership Expectations
We are looking for someone who can lead by example.
The right person will be able to:
- Set the tone in the shop through strong work habits and clear communication
- Keep staff focused, productive, and accountable
- Make practical decisions when the owner is not immediately available
- Recognize when an issue needs to be solved, escalated, or documented
- Balance quality, timing, and practicality
- Train and mentor less experienced staff
- Support a respectful and productive workplace
- Think several steps ahead
- Help reduce bottlenecks in production and installation
Required Experience and Skills
- Several years of hands-on cabinetmaking, custom millwork, or related trade experience
- Previous experience as a lead hand, shop lead, foreman, supervisor, or senior cabinetmaker
- Strong knowledge of cabinet construction methods
- Ability to read and understand detailed shop drawings
- Experience with residential cabinetry, built-ins, vanities, closets, and custom millwork
- Cabinet installation experience
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Strong communication skills
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and make sound practical decisions
- Valid driver’s licence
- Legal entitlement to work in Canada
- Willingness to work on site in Port Alberni, BC
Assets
The following are not required, but would be considered assets:
- Spray finishing experience
- CNC-based production experience
- Microvellum experience
- Biesse or similar machinery experience
- Experience managing shop workflow or production scheduling
- Experience ordering materials or reviewing hardware requirements
- Experience communicating with customers, contractors, designers, or suppliers
- Experience supporting estimating, project planning, or site coordination
The Right Fit
We are looking for someone who can become more than another cabinetmaker on the floor.
This position may be a good fit if you:
- Want a long-term role with room to grow
- Take pride in detailed custom work
- Enjoy solving practical problems
- Are comfortable leading people
- Understand the pace and pressure of a custom shop
- Want your experience and judgment to matter
Custom cabinetry is detailed work. Every project has its own site conditions, customer needs, design details, materials, hardware, appliances, and installation challenges. We need someone who can work through those details with care and good judgment.
What We Offer
- Full-time, permanent position
- Competitive wage based on experience
- Established custom cabinetmaking business
- Varied residential and commercial projects
- Key leadership role in a small, experienced shop
- Opportunity for long-term growth
- Possible future partnership or ownership discussions may be considered for the right long-term fit
- Relocation support may be considered
- A workplace where quality, accountability, and practical decision-making matter
Relocation Candidates
We welcome applications from qualified candidates across Canada who are interested in relocating to Port Alberni, BC.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada and willing to work on site in Port Alberni.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A detailed resume outlining your cabinetmaking and leadership experience
- Three references, including two professional references and one personal reference
- Photos or examples of completed work, if available
We are looking for someone who wants to build a future with us, not just fill a position.
For anyone considering a move to the Alberni Valley, the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce has shared a helpful overview here: https://albernichamber.ca/reasons-move-here
Pay: $38.50-$45.70 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Port Alberni, BC V9Y 3M2: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)
Application question(s):
- Can you read detailed shop drawings?
Experience:
- cabinetmaking: 10 years (preferred)
- leadership: 5 years (required)
- cabinet installation: 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
Title: Lead Cabinetmaker & Operations Lead
Company: De Vries Fine Woodworking Inc.
Location: Port Alberni, BC
