Renaissance Historic Exteriors
Sheet Metal Studio Director — Lead Renaissance’s Copper Studio to National Leadership in Architectural Sheet Metal
Belvidere, Illinois•Full-time
$100,000 - $120,000 annually
$100,000 - $120,000 annually
About the Job
Renaissance Historic Exteriors is looking for an experienced Sheet Metal Studio Director to lead our Copper Studio — the architectural sheet metal shop that produces custom copper and metal components for historic restoration projects nationwide. You’ll own the studio end to end: production scheduling, crew leadership, quality, cost, and growth — with the goal of building the studio into a national leader in architectural sheet metal (job shop) work for restoration contractors. This is a hands-on leadership role with real ownership of a P&L, a seat at the leadership table, and a clear mandate to grow both the craft and the business.
About Us
Our purpose is to elevate the lives of our people, using expertise and craftsmanship to preserve history. Our niche is custom historic restoration — the kind of skilled, detail-driven construction work that keeps landmark buildings standing for the next generation. We’re built on five core values: Team Player, Problem Solver, Expertise, Craftsmanship, and Ethical. If you want to lead a craft-driven studio that plays a defining role in that work, this is the team for you.
The Role
As Sheet Metal Studio Director, you’ll lead the Copper Studio through our company core values, growing the division into one of Renaissance’s signature strengths and a national leader in the production of architectural sheet metal products for restoration contractors. You’ll drive project research and development, manage the studio’s production schedule and assets, and partner with Accounting and Sales/Estimating to keep the division profitable and growing. Success in this role is measured weekly through a scorecard covering studio profitability, on-time delivery, quality/rework, material efficiency, capacity growth, and crew utilization.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, manage, and schedule all operations and projects completed by the sheet metal studio, from order to delivery
- Build and maintain a comprehensive production schedule, tracking manpower, equipment, and material requirements
- Grow team capabilities and studio culture through hands-on coaching, feedback, and quality standards — right the first time, every time
- Partner with the Safety Director to continuously improve jobsite and shop safety
- Track and analyze Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and monthly division financials with the Accounting team; own the division’s operating income statement
- Work with Sales and Bid/Estimating on accurate pricing, estimating, and scheduling; help build out the studio’s pricing model
- Identify growth opportunities — new products, processes, machines, and capital improvements — to grow revenue and gross profit
- Build the studio’s marketing presence: social media, digital content, a standard product catalog, and website/storefront development
What We’re Looking For
- 5+years of leadership experience in metal fabrication, sheet metal, copper work, or a related production/job-shop environment
- Proven ability to manage production schedules, crews, and equipment/asset utilization
- Strong financial acumen — comfortable owning budgets, COGS, and P&L performance for a division
- Experience with (or strong interest in) sales, estimating, and pricing strategy
- Strong communication and leadership skills; comfortable holding a team accountable to quality and safety standards
Compensation & Benefits
- Salaried Employee
- Participation in company incentive pay program, per plan guidelines
- 10 days of Paid Time Off
- Holiday pay (Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day)
- Cell phone and laptop provided, as needed; reimbursement available for existing use
- Paid company travel
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance available
- 401(k) Program
Why Join Us
- Lead a division with a clear mandate: grow it into a national leader in architectural sheet metal
- Real ownership — you’ll drive the studio’s P&L, pricing, marketing, and growth strategy, not just production
- A metrics-driven leadership rhythm (EOS) with a clear scorecard, so you always know how you’re doing
- Reports directly into the COO/CEO with a real seat at the leadership table
- Work that protects the craftsmanship behind landmark historic restoration projects nationwide
- A leadership team that values Team Player, Problem Solver, Expertise, Craftsmanship, and Ethical conduct
Equal Employment Opportunity
Renaissance Historic Exteriors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.