Associate Director of Fabrication

Associate Director of Fabrication

Department: Fabrication

Reports To: Director of Fabrication

Location: NY

The Associate Director of Fabrication is responsible for supporting and overseeing the execution and day-to-day operations of Pink Sparrow’s fabrication departments and skilled workforce. This role partners closely with senior leadership to ensure fabrication operations meet established quality standards, timelines, and resource plans.

The Associate Director oversees Fabrication Managers, Department Managers, and Leads, translating broader departmental strategy into clear, actionable workflows, processes, and team execution. This role plays a critical part in driving operational efficiency, strengthening team performance, and fostering collaboration, with a continuous focus on refinement and improvement.

• Provide consistent mentorship, training, and support across Fabrication Teams, including Carpentry, Metal, Machine Production, and Tech. 
• Support and collaborate with Department Managers and Leads in driving team performance, communication, and departmental accountability.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and solutions-oriented work environment aligned with company values and a healthy company culture.
• Assist in developing team structures and identifying staffing needs in partnership with senior fabrication leadership.
• Clearly communicate and uphold company policies, accountability, and performance expectations, addressing disciplinary matters while fostering a positive and respectful work environment

• Partner with Fabrication Managers and Digital Fabrication to develop build approaches, material and hardware specification and execute detailed build plans and strategies.
• Review technical drawings for clarity, material/hardware accuracy, feasibility, and quality.
• Collaborate with Digital Fabrication to ensure files, assets, and outputs are build-ready.
• Monitor build progress and proactively address staffing, production challenges and timeline risk.

• Collaborate with Business Development, Design, and Project Management teams to support project planning, timelines, and budgets.
• Review budgets for accurate labor, material call-outs, and preliminary build approach. 
• Collaborate with Business Development to identify efficiencies and value-engineering options when applicable.
• Identify execution risks and propose solutions to maintain project alignment.
• Ensure project plans align with available resources and fabrication capacity.

• Uphold and enforce established Pink Sparrow quality standards across all fabrication projects.
• Supports the implementation of quality control standards, including assessments, accountability measures, and scheduled walkthroughs with Fabrication Managers, Leads, and Project Managers
• Maintains consistent standards and expectations across all tiers of fabrication, from build approach and material selection through execution, tech-up, and installation
• Promotes preparedness for installation at every stage of fabrication, recognizing installation as the final and critical phase of the process

• Ensure adherence to operational procedures across safety, quality, engineering, HR, and finance guidelines.
• Identify areas for process improvement and support the implementation of more efficient workflows.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and company standards.

• Support performance review processes in partnership with the Director of People Operations and senior leadership.
• Help define and track KPIs for Fabrication Team members.
• Provide consistent, actionable feedback and support development planning.
• Escalate and assist in addressing performance concerns when necessary.

• Maintain consistent communication with the Fabrication Director, Fabrication Managers, Operations, Project Management, and Department Leads.
• Support execution of departmental and company-wide goals.
• Assist in engineering and permitting coordination, including oversight of technical drawings and vendor collaboration.
• Assess tooling needs, source new tooling, and coordinate installation when necessary.
• Oversee maintenance and functionality of tools and fabrication equipment.
• Contribute to refining fabrication processes, documentation, and workflows.
• Participate in and reinforce company culture initiatives.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to implement and manage systems and processes.
• Experience with equipment specification, procurement, and shop setup.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in fabrication or production environments, including team leadership.
• Solid understanding of fabrication processes, drafting, engineering, scenic production, and live event environments.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and production-related tools.
• Ability to interpret and guide technical drawing development.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• OSHA Certification (required within six months of hire).
• Forklift/Scissor Lift Certification (required within six months of hire).
• CPR/First Aid Training (required within six months of hire).