Product Manager I

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 ResponsibilitiesProject Review & Quality AssuranceThoroughly 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 ManagementReview, 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 SupportServe 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 ManagementTrack and manage all project revisions, including:Go-backsAdd-onsChange ordersReturn visitsWarranty-related modificationsEnsure 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 CoordinationConduct 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 ManagementCoordinate 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 ResolutionRecognize 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 & AccountabilityMaintain 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 ExpectationsDemonstrate 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.