Welding & Fabrication Manager

• Oversee the daily functions and strategic planning for the Fabrication, Woodshop, and Powder Coat departments, covering tasks from machining and welding to assembly and finishing.
• Supervise shop personnel and leads by handling recruitment, performance evaluations, professional development, and scheduling.
• Take responsibility for operational budgets, material and labor expenses, and managing cost variances to improve the bottom line.
• Create capacity and staffing strategies that align with production backlogs and demand, ensuring adequate coverage for the Fab Shop.
• Facilitate regular production meetings to address and resolve obstacles related to equipment, materials, quality, and scheduling.
• Collaborate with internal departments like Engineering, Sales, and HR to ensure seamless production workflows and on-time deliveries.
• Track SQDCP metrics to help maintain a high standard of performance and drive necessary operational improvements.
• Manage quality control processes to boost first-pass yield and minimize rework or scrap across all production areas.
• Verify that all work adheres to technical drawings, welding specifications, and established inspection protocols.
• Champion a culture of safety by leading training, conducting audits, and ensuring full compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Coordinate the upkeep of machinery through consistent preventive maintenance programs.
• Maximize daily output and labor productivity to ensure production targets are consistently met.
• Analyze ERP and MRP data to pinpoint production bottlenecks and reduce downtime.
• Apply Lean principles such as 5S and Kaizen to foster a more efficient and organized work environment.
• Evaluate facility and equipment needs to build business cases for future capital investments.
• Work alongside Finance and Estimating teams to ensure that project margins align with operational realities.
• Present regular performance reports regarding safety, quality, and costs to senior leadership.

Core Duties

• Oversee the daily functions and strategic planning for the Fabrication, Woodshop, and Powder Coat departments, covering tasks from machining and welding to assembly and finishing.
• Supervise shop personnel and leads by handling recruitment, performance evaluations, professional development, and scheduling.
• Take responsibility for operational budgets, material and labor expenses, and managing cost variances to improve the bottom line.
• Create capacity and staffing strategies that align with production backlogs and demand, ensuring adequate coverage for the Fab Shop.
• Facilitate regular production meetings to address and resolve obstacles related to equipment, materials, quality, and scheduling.
• Collaborate with internal departments like Engineering, Sales, and HR to ensure seamless production workflows and on-time deliveries.
• Track SQDCP metrics to help maintain a high standard of performance and drive necessary operational improvements.
• Manage quality control processes to boost first-pass yield and minimize rework or scrap across all production areas.
• Verify that all work adheres to technical drawings, welding specifications, and established inspection protocols.
• Champion a culture of safety by leading training, conducting audits, and ensuring full compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Coordinate the upkeep of machinery through consistent preventive maintenance programs.
• Maximize daily output and labor productivity to ensure production targets are consistently met.
• Analyze ERP and MRP data to pinpoint production bottlenecks and reduce downtime.
• Apply Lean principles such as 5S and Kaizen to foster a more efficient and organized work environment.
• Evaluate facility and equipment needs to build business cases for future capital investments.
• Work alongside Finance and Estimating teams to ensure that project margins align with operational realities.
• Present regular performance reports regarding safety, quality, and costs to senior leadership.

Required Background

• Minimum of five years in a manufacturing leadership role, ideally within metal fabrication or related finishing sectors.
• Deep technical understanding of machining, CNC, cutting, forming, and welding operations.
• Solid grasp of shop safety standards and relevant welding codes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams through effective coaching and HR management.
• Background in managing financial metrics, including capital expenditures and labor efficiency.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP software, with a preference for Fulcrum users.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities to support team success.
• Proven capacity to oversee multiple production workflows at once.
• Experience working in a custom, make-to-order fabrication setting.
• Familiarity with woodworking or powder coating finishing techniques.
• Background in continuous improvement methodologies like A3, PDCA, or Standard Work.
• Knowledge of AWS inspection standards or relevant welding certifications.
• Commitment to expanding expertise in Lean manufacturing practices.

Essential Proficiencies

• Leadership and Team Supervision
• Metal Fabrication Expertise
• Welding Processes
• OSHA Compliance Standards