Fabrication Manager

Fabrication Manager
Fort Worth, TX
 
Onsite
Permanent/Direct Hire
Full Benefits
Relocation Assistance Available
$100,000 - $110,0000

The Fabrication Manager is responsible for leading day-to-day operations in the fabrication department, including plate, sheet, and structural steel processing. This role plans and directs people, equipment, and workflows to ensure customer orders are produced safely, accurately, and on schedule. The Fabrication Manager works closely with Operations, Sales, Quality, Maintenance, and Logistics to drive throughput, minimize scrap and rework, and continuously improve fabrication performance in line with industry best practices.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a team of fabrication supervisors, machine operators, fitters, welders, and material handlers.
• Production Scheduling: Own daily production planning and scheduling for fabrication equipment (e.g., laser/plasma cutting, burning tables, press brakes, rolling/curving, machining, and other first-stage processes).
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure safe work practices and housekeeping in all fabrication areas; reinforce safety policies and compliance with OSHA standards.
• KPI Management: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, machine uptime, throughput, scrap, and rework; take corrective action as needed.
• Document Review: Review fabrication drawings, nesting layouts, and work orders for accuracy and manufacturability; collaborate with Sales and Inside Sales to clarify requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Confirm parts are produced to specification, including tolerances, edge quality, and weld requirements, in alignment with applicable codes and customer standards.
• Equipment Maintenance: Coordinate with Maintenance to prioritize preventive and corrective maintenance for fabrication equipment, minimizing unplanned downtime.
• Process Improvement: Drive standard work, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance safety and quality.
• Non-Conforming Product Control: Support and enforce quality procedures; assist with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and documentation for non-conforming product.
• Logistics Coordination: Collaborate with Logistics/Shipping to sequence work, stage loads, and meet customer delivery expectations.
• Staffing & HR: Partner with HR and leadership on staffing, training, performance reviews, and corrective actions within the department.
• Cost & Labor Control: Manage overtime, staffing levels, and indirect labor to meet budgeted cost objectives.
• Capital Planning: Participate in capital planning and justification for new fabrication equipment, automation, and technology upgrades.
• Company Culture: Promote a positive, team-oriented culture that reflects company values and commitment to customer service.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5 years of progressive experience in steel fabrication, metal service center, or closely related heavy manufacturing environment required.
• Leadership: 3 years of leadership experience (Supervisor, Lead, or Manager level) in a fabrication or production setting.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of steel fabrication processes such as burning, laser/plasma cutting, forming, rolling, welding, and/or machining.
• Blueprints & Technical Docs: Ability to read and interpret fabrication prints, bills of material, weld symbols, and related technical documents.
• Industry Standards: Familiarity with relevant industry standards and practices (e.g., AWS, AISC, ASTM) and typical customer quality expectations.
• Continuous Improvement: Proven track record of improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics through structured problem-solving.
• Systems Experience: Experience using ERP/MRP and production scheduling systems in a fabrication or steel service center environment.
• Soft Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills; able to hold teams accountable while building engagement.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and basic data analysis for KPI tracking.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or equivalent coursework in manufacturing, welding, or industrial technology preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Work performed primarily in a shop/plant environment around moving equipment, overhead cranes, forklifts, and steel products.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb stairs; occasionally lift or move material and equipment up to 50 lbs with or without assistance.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe footwear as applicable.
• Exposure to noise, dust, heat, and changing temperature conditions consistent with a steel fabrication facility.
• Periodic travel to other company locations, vendors, or customer sites may be require