The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational performance of The Steel Erection Company, including shop fabrication, field erection activities, manpower coordination, equipment management, and project execution support.

This role ensures that all projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project schedules, contract requirements, and company standards.

The Operations Manager acts as the central coordination point between project management, shop fabrication, and field crews to ensure that structural steel projects move smoothly from engineering and detailing through fabrication, delivery, erection, and final completion.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shop Fabrication Oversight

Oversee daily fabrication operations to ensure production meets project schedules.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinate with shop foreman and lead welders
Monitor fabrication progress against project schedules
Ensure fabrication drawings are being followed correctly
Verify material availability and fabrication sequencing
Address production delays or bottlenecks

Ensure compliance with:

AWS welding standards
Shop quality control procedures
Fabrication tolerances per LA City requirements

2. Field Erection Coordination

Oversee structural steel erection operations and field manpower allocation.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinate with field foremen and superintendents
Schedule erection crews according to project timelines
Ensure proper crane scheduling and equipment logistics
Monitor erection progress and productivity
Resolve field conflicts with general contractors and site teams

Ensure all field work complies with:

OSHA safety standards
Project erection plans
Rigging and lifting procedures

3. Project Execution Support

Work closely with Project Managers to ensure operational execution aligns with contract scope and schedule.

Responsibilities include:

Review project kickoff requirements
Coordinate fabrication start dates
Align shop output with erection schedules
Track steel deliveries and site readiness
Address operational issues impacting project progress

Assist with:

Change order logistics
Field manpower adjustments
Schedule recovery strategies when delays occur

4. Manpower Management

Coordinate staffing levels across shop and field operations.

Responsibilities include:

Assign welders, ironworkers, and erection crews to projects
Balance shop workload and field demand
Identify additional labor needs or subcontractors
Manage crew productivity expectations

5. EquipmentAsset Management

Oversee company equipment used in fabrication and erection operations.

Responsibilities include:

Track company trucks, trailers, and welding machines
Coordinate crane rentals and specialty equipment
Schedule maintenance for critical equipment
Ensure proper equipment allocation to projects

6. SafetyCompliance

Promote and enforce a strong safety culture across all operations.

Responsibilities include:

Conduct safety meetings with shop and field personnel
Ensure compliance with OSHA standards
Monitor proper PPE usage
Address safety concerns immediately

Work with management to maintain strong safety records.

7. Operational Reporting

Provide regular operational updates to ownership.

Reports may include:

Fabrication progress reports
Field productivity updates
Labor utilization
Equipment status
Operational risks or schedule concerns

Required Experience

Minimum 7-10 years experience in structural steel fabrication and/or erection
Experience managing shop fabrication and field erection crews
Strong knowledge of AISC structural steel practices and familiar with LA City fab shop requirements
Familiarity with AWS welding standards
Experience coordinating with general contractors and project managers

Preferred experience:

Structural steel project supervision
Fabrication shop management
Multi-project operational oversight

Required Skills

Strong leadership and crew management abilities
Ability to read structural steel drawings and erection plans
Excellent problem-solving in fast-paced construction environments
Strong communication with field and shop teams
Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously