Role Overview
Own the fabrication shop: throughput, quality, people development, safety, and on-time releases that feed field erection.
Responsibilities
Run day-to-day shop operations (cutting, fitting, welding, drilling, coping, cambering, finishes) and outbound logistics.
Convert PM/Detailer releases into executable shop plans; set takt/sequence; manage labor loading, OT, cross-training.
Drive QA/QC: WPS/PQR adherence, welder continuity, dimensional checks, coatings QA, final inspection packs.
Implement visual management & KPIs (OTD, FPY, rework %, NCRs, hours/ton, throughput).
Oversee maintenance & reliability for saws, drills, plasma tables, cranes, forklifts.
Ensure OSHA compliance and lead toolbox talks/corrective actions.
Optimize materials & inventory (min/max, cycle counts) and vendor expediting.
Align with PMs/erection on ship sequences and crane picks.
Qualifications
7–12+ years in steel fabrication, incl. 3–5+ years leading a shop or major cell.
AISC fabrication tolerances, welding processes (SMAW/FCAW/GMAW), inspection knowledge.
ERP/MES (FabSuite/STRUMIS/ShopData or similar) and scheduling chops.
Lean/Kaizen mindset (5S, standard work, tier boards).
Strong coaching/culture builder.
Plus: PEMB parts flow; galvanizing/paint specs; OSHA-30; crane/forklift certs.
90–180 Day Outcomes
95% on-time delivery on priority releases.
Rework <1.5% of hours; 5S implemented with daily tier meetings.
Capacity model (hours/ton) and weekly S&OP with PMs in place.
Screening Questions
How do you translate a multi-release project (A/B/C) into a daily/weekly shop schedule? Which KPIs do you post?
Walk me through your QA/QC system—WPS adherence, continuity logs, dimensional checks before paint/ship.
Tell me about a time you cut WIP/lead time in a steel shop—what layout, staffing, or tooling changes drove it?
How do you stage and ship to match erection sequences and crane picks?
Which ERP/MES tools have you implemented? How did you build discipline in real-time status updates?
Safety: which leading indicators do you track, and how do you run effective toolbox talks?
How do you structure cross-training to balance capacity across fit/weld/drill/finish?