Fabrication Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Fabrication Operations Manager

Location : Crest Hill, IL 60435 (Near Joliet, IL)

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Salary : $85,000 - $115,000

Benefits : A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including company-sponsored health insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, and additional company-sponsored benefits.

Overview : Sterling Engineering is partnering with a well-established manufacturer of heavy industrial equipment to hire a Fabrication Operations Manager for its Crest Hill, IL facility. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being on the shop floor, solving problems, supporting production, and helping the team keep projects moving.

Responsibilities :

• Lead daily shop operations across fabrication, manufacturing, assembly, and equipment preparation activities.
• Spend the majority of your time on the production floor supporting employees, removing obstacles, and keeping projects on track.
• Coordinate production schedules while adapting to changing customer priorities, custom orders, and shifting deadlines.
• Troubleshoot production, material, quality, scheduling, and equipment issues as they arise.
• Partner with purchasing, logistics, engineering, and field service teams to ensure projects move efficiently from fabrication through delivery.
• Supervise union employees, including scheduling, coaching, performance management, time approvals, and day-to-day leadership.
• Oversee quality inspections, rework activities, and customer-driven changes to ensure products meet expectations.
• Respond to customer concerns and urgent operational issues with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to support production planning, inventory, and operational efficiency while balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on leadership.
• Promote a safe, team-oriented culture focused on accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications :

• 5+ years of leadership experience in custom fabrication, job shop manufacturing, heavy equipment, steel fabrication, industrial manufacturing, or a related environment.
• Previous experience leading union employees or a similarly structured skilled trades workforce.
• Proven hands-on leadership with the ability to solve problems directly on the shop floor.
• Experience managing multiple custom projects and changing production priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, machining, equipment assembly, or heavy manufacturing operations.
• Experience using ERP and/or MRP systems.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities with daily involvement in production

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information