What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Foreman position at Keel?
Job Type
Full-time
Description
The General Foreman oversees all production operations and personnel for heavy steel fabrication which may include government ship repair and/or NAVSEA projects. This role manages all aspects of assigned projects from initiation through completion, ensuring work is executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with contractual, quality, and regulatory requirements. The position collaborates closely with the Director of Operations, Plant Managers, Fabrication Project Managers, and Fabrication Supervisors to meet project milestones, schedules, and budgets.
Responsibilities And Duties
Education and Experience:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and inspect fabrication areas. Occasional stooping, kneeling, climbing, and reaching may be required. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds independently. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Exposure to shop floor environments, moving mechanical parts, welding operations, airborne particles, noise, high heat, and other hazards. PPE is required. All Keel locations are tobacco-free where appropriate.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Keel provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, status as a protected veteran or spouse thereof, height, weight, marital or familial status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Keel complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which Keel has facilities.
To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Keel will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, recruitment advertising, hiring, job assignment, promotion, demotion, discipline, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, or rates of pay, benefits, and selection for training. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity or age limitations will be adhered to by Keel where appropriate.
Management retains the right to add to, or change, the responsibilities and/or duties of this position at any time including the elimination of this position. The team member understands that his/her job description is for operational purposes and is not intended to be an employment contract. The employment relationship remains “at-will.”
Full-time
Description
The General Foreman oversees all production operations and personnel for heavy steel fabrication which may include government ship repair and/or NAVSEA projects. This role manages all aspects of assigned projects from initiation through completion, ensuring work is executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with contractual, quality, and regulatory requirements. The position collaborates closely with the Director of Operations, Plant Managers, Fabrication Project Managers, and Fabrication Supervisors to meet project milestones, schedules, and budgets.
Responsibilities And Duties
- Manage all production operations, project execution, and fabrication personnel for heavy steel projects.
- Manage Fabrication Supervisors and coordinate daily work activities and tasks.
- Plan, schedule, and execute multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timelines and milestones are met.
- Review and interpret detailed drawings, shop drawings, design documents, installation drawings, and contracts.
- Ensure compliance with NAVSEA, government, and company standards, including AISC, AWS, and OSHA regulations.
- Develop detailed project plans, including labor, material, and equipment requirements, and implement schedules to meet contractual obligations.
- Monitor project metrics, identifying deviations in quality, cost, or schedule.
- Prepare project budgets, monitor job percent-complete, and manage change orders.
- Facilitate ongoing communication and coordination with customers, co-workers, and other company departments to ensure workflow efficiency.
- Enforce company policies, quality assurance procedures, and ensure adherence to project safety plans in coordination with the Safety Manager.
- Apply sound judgment in managing employee productivity, attendance, and other HR-related matters.
- Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to personnel to optimize team performance and project outcomes.
- Utilize strong knowledge of manufacturing/production processes, techniques, and materials to improve efficiency and quality.
- Prioritize tasks effectively and organize workflows for multiple projects.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met.
- Interpret schematics, drawings, and technical documents to support fabrication and assembly operations.
- Directly supervises Fabrication Supervisors and production personnel.
- Authority to manage workflow, assign tasks, enforce policies, and monitor quality and production standards.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma/GED or equivalent in related work experience; technical or vocational training preferred.
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in heavy steel fabrication, including government ship repair and NAVSEA projects preferred
- At least 3–5 years of supervisory or foreman-level experience in a fabrication or industrial environment preferred.
- Welding certifications or other technical certifications preferred.
- OSHA or safety certifications a plus.
- Advanced knowledge of heavy steel fabrication processes, fitting, welding methods, and fabrication quality standards.
- Proficiency with AISC, AWS, and other relevant industry codes.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and teams simultaneously.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Budgeting, estimating, and supervisory skills.
- Knowledge of OSHA compliance and other industry regulations.
- Ability to interpret schematics, drawings, and technical specifications.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
- Upholds Safety and Quality Standards
- Embodies Team Spirit
- Relentless Customer Focus
- Conveys Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
- Executes with Excellence and Velocity
- Inspires Team Members
- Communicates Effectively
- Resolves Problems
- Elevates Those Around Them
- Occasional travel may be required.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and inspect fabrication areas. Occasional stooping, kneeling, climbing, and reaching may be required. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds independently. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Exposure to shop floor environments, moving mechanical parts, welding operations, airborne particles, noise, high heat, and other hazards. PPE is required. All Keel locations are tobacco-free where appropriate.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Keel provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, status as a protected veteran or spouse thereof, height, weight, marital or familial status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Keel complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which Keel has facilities.
To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Keel will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, recruitment advertising, hiring, job assignment, promotion, demotion, discipline, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, or rates of pay, benefits, and selection for training. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity or age limitations will be adhered to by Keel where appropriate.
Management retains the right to add to, or change, the responsibilities and/or duties of this position at any time including the elimination of this position. The team member understands that his/her job description is for operational purposes and is not intended to be an employment contract. The employment relationship remains “at-will.”