Project Lead

About the Company

Downtown FabWorks is a leader in scenic and architectural fabrication, providing high-quality custom solutions for the entertainment, events, and architectural industries. Our team specializes in bringing creative visions to life with precision craftsmanship and cutting-edge fabrication techniques.

Reports To: Vice President of Operations

About the Role

The Project Lead (PL) is responsible for the day-to-day execution of projects in the shop and in the field. This role owns execution planning, coordination, and real-time problem-solving to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and in compliance with Downtown FabWorks quality standards. The Project Lead serves as the operational bridge between Project Management, Department Leads, fabrication teams, and Design during execution, without owning contractual or commercial responsibility.

Primary Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Coordination: Collaborate with the Project Team and VP of Operations to define daily execution scope, objectives, and deliverables. Estimate labor requirements, schedule project tasks, and maintain timelines to ensure on-time delivery. Maintain and update project tracking sheets, schedules, labor plans, and work orders. Attend production meetings and contribute to execution planning.
• Execution Ownership: Own project execution in the shop and in the field, including coordination, sequencing, and real-time adjustments. Coordinate project feasibility with Technical Design and flag issues related to constructability, sequencing, or technical drawings.
• Fabrication & Department Coordination: Act as the primary liaison between Project Team and Department Leads to ensure smooth handoffs, workflow continuity, and quality control throughout fabrication.
• On-Site Leadership & Installation: Lead on-site installations and serve as the primary on-site client contact. Coordinate install crews, overhire labor, and subcontractors to ensure efficient execution and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Progress Reporting & Communication: Provide regular progress updates to the VP of Operations, identifying risks, challenges, and proposed solutions. Complete detailed daily reports documenting activities, labor usage, progress, and issues.
• Quality Control & Compliance: Ensure all fabricated elements meet company and client quality standards. Coordinate technical walk-throughs prior to installation. Oversee proper wrapping, packing, and protection of all elements. Prepare truck packing lists and establish delivery order for multi-day installations. Enforce compliance with the DFW Quality Standards Policy at all times.
• Risk Management: Identify execution risks related to schedule, labor, and field conditions. Develop and implement mitigation strategies and escalate issues as needed to maintain project health.
• Safety & Conduct: Enforce safety protocols, jobsite policies, and company conduct standards in both shop and field environments.

Key Attributes

• Execution-Focused Leader: Owns outcomes and drives projects forward through coordination and decisive action.
• Clear Communicator: Able to align shop teams, field crews, and leadership through timely, accurate communication.
• Problem Solver: Thrives in dynamic environments and resolves issues quickly with practical solutions.
• Detail-Oriented: Understands how execution details impact schedule, quality, and client experience.
• Accountable Operator: Takes responsibility for execution performance and escalates issues appropriately.

Knowledge & Skills

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in fabrication, installation, or project execution environments, with demonstrated leadership in shop and field settings.

Technical & Software Skills:

• Reading and commenting on technical drawings and execution details
• Project tracking sheets, schedules, and labor forecasting
• Shop and field coordination for scenic and architectural fabrication
• Asana or equivalent project management software
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Payroll and time-tracking software

Work Schedule & Travel

This is a full-time, salaried-exempt position with a variable schedule based on project needs. Travel is required up to 25–30% of the time. This position is eligible for up to 20% hybrid work, depending on performance and company needs.

Physical Job Requirements

Extended standing and walking. Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 75 lbs. Working in active shop and jobsite environments, including ladders, lifts, and uneven terrain, with required PPE.

Compensation

Salary Range: $65,000 – $76,000 annually, based on experience and culture fit, plus benefits as outlined in the company handbook.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Downtown FabWorks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $76,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $76,000