Shop Foreman

Position Summary

We are a small-medium sized welding/fabrication shop looking for a Shop Foreman to oversee daily operations in the fabrication shop, ensuring that production targets, quality standards, safety protocols, and deadlines are met. This role will serve as the bridge between management and shop staff, coordinating with project managers, engineering, and quality control to drive efficient execution and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Production Oversight & Scheduling

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate shop workloads, tracking progress and adjusting plans as needed
• Monitor throughput, lead times, and productivity to meet project deadlines
• Communicate capacity, constraints, and status updates with management and project teams

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise welders, fabricators, machine operators, and general shop personnel
• Mentor, train, and coach staff to improve skills, productivity, and workmanship
• Conduct performance reviews, enforce policies, and lead by example

Quality & Technical Compliance

• Enforce Weld-Rite’s quality standards, welding procedures (AWS, etc.), and inspection protocols
• Troubleshoot fabrication or welding defects and guide corrective actions
• Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of tools and equipment

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Monitor and enforce compliance with safety rules, PPE usage, and OSHA / local regulations
• Lead safety meetings, inspections, and incident investigations
• Promote a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement

Process Improvement & Efficiency

• Identify areas for workflow optimization, waste reduction, and cost control
• Recommend and implement Lean / continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with management to procure or upgrade equipment, tooling, or systems

Material & Resource Management

• Coordinate material staging, inventory usage, and ordering to support shop operations
• Ensure proper utilization of manpower, machines, and consumables
• Work with purchasing and project teams to align resources to project schedules

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a fabrication / welding / metalworking shop environment, with preferably at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or foreman role
• Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication, welding practices (preferably AWS knowledge or certification), CNC plasma cutting, and general metalworking
• Demonstrated leadership, team-building, and conflict-resolution skills
• Excellent organizational, planning, and communication abilities
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings
• Experience with shop floor metrics and process improvement methodologies
• Working knowledge of safety regulations (OSHA or equivalent) and good track record in maintaining safe environments
• Ability to problem-solve under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing conditions
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade education (welding technology, manufacturing, or similar) preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced custom fabrication environment with varied daily tasks and non-bureaucratic decision-making
• Prior experience in small to mid-size custom fabrication shops preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, retirement, etc.)
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment centered on quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction
• Chance to play a pivotal role in the growth of company