Director of Project & Fabrication Operations

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on leader to oversee our project management team and fabrication shop operations. The ideal candidate has a strong background in management, project execution, and the pulp and paper industry, along with a practical understanding of industrial fabrication.

This position requires someone who can move comfortably between customer discussions, project reviews, and the shop floor. The successful candidate will be humble, hardworking, team-oriented, and willing to lead by example. They will create accountability without micromanaging, support employees in solving problems, and ensure projects are completed safely, profitably, and to a high standard of quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support a team of project managers responsible for multiple industrial projects.
• Oversee fabrication shop priorities, schedules, staffing needs, workflow, and coordination with project requirements.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability across project management and fabrication teams.
• Review project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, procurement needs, and customer commitments.
• Ensure strong communication between customers, project managers, engineering, purchasing, fabrication, quality, and field personnel.
• Monitor project performance and take action when costs, schedules, quality, or deliverables are at risk.
• Help resolve technical, operational, and personnel challenges in a practical and professional manner.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Support estimating, planning, change-order management, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Develop employees through coaching, constructive feedback, training, and opportunities for increased responsibility.
• Build strong relationships with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Encourage collaboration between office and shop employees, reinforcing that everyone is working toward the same goal.
• Maintain high standards for workmanship, documentation, organization, and customer service.
• Provide leadership with regular updates on project status, shop capacity, financial performance, and operational risks.

Qualifications

• Significant management or operational leadership experience in an industrial environment.
• Experience in the pulp and paper industry is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead project managers and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of industrial fabrication, manufacturing, construction, or equipment installation.
• Strong understanding of project schedules, budgets, labor planning, procurement, quality, and risk management.
• Ability to read and understand drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project documentation.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working with customers, senior leadership, project teams, and shop employees.
• Proficiency with common project management and business software.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, business, or a related field is preferred; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.

Leadership Qualities

The right person for this role will:

• Lead with humility and earn respect through actions.
• Be willing to listen, learn, and give credit to the team.
• Work hard and remain steady when challenges arise.
• Treat office, shop, and field employees with equal respect.
• Hold people accountable while giving them the support needed to succeed.
• Make timely decisions based on facts, experience, safety, and the best interests of the company.
• Communicate directly, honestly, and respectfully.
• Take ownership of problems and follow them through to resolution.
• Focus on the success of the entire team rather than personal recognition.
• Be visible, approachable, and comfortable spending time on the fabrication floor.

Measures of Success

Success in this position will be demonstrated through:

• Safe and efficient shop operations.
• Projects delivered on schedule and within budget.
• High-quality fabrication and reduced rework.
• Strong communication between project management and shop teams.
• Accurate planning, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Development and retention of capable, engaged employees.
• A respectful, accountable, and team-oriented workplace culture.

What We Offer

• A key leadership role with a direct impact on company performance.
• The opportunity to lead experienced project and fabrication professionals.
• A practical, team-focused working environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits based on experience.
• Opportunities for long-term professional growth.

We are looking for a leader who understands the industry, respects the people doing the work, and is committed to helping the entire organization succeed. A cover letter outlining your qualifications and understanding of the position would be appreciated.

Pay: $120,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Experience:

• Management: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $120,000 - $170,000