Shop Operations Manager - Pipe Fabrication

We are seeking an experienced Shop Operations Manager to oversee all day-to-day operations of our mechanical fabrication shop, specializing in pipe fabrication for commercial and industrial construction projects.

This position serves as the senior operational leader of the shop. The Shop Operations Manager is accountable for the overall success of fabrication operations, including project execution, workforce management, labor productivity, scheduling, safety, quality, and facility maintenance.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in mechanical pipe fabrication and welding, combined with proven operations management experience. This individual must understand how to plan and execute multiple fabrication projects simultaneously, allocate resources effectively, track job progress, and ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within labor expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Shop Operations & Project Execution

• Oversee all daily fabrication shop operations and ensure production goals are consistently achieved.
• Take ownership of fabrication project execution from the time jobs are released to the shop through completion.
• Review upcoming fabrication work, understand project requirements, and develop plans to execute each job efficiently and on schedule.
• Establish production schedules, prioritize workloads, and allocate manpower, equipment, and shop resources based on project demands.
• Monitor job progress, identify potential delays or production bottlenecks, and implement solutions to keep projects moving.
• Maintain visibility into labor hours, production rates, job costs, and overall fabrication performance.
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers to align shop production with project schedules, delivery requirements, and changing priorities.
• Manage overtime based on workload, project deadlines, and production demands.

Workforce & Labor Management

• Oversee the shop workforce, including supervisors, welders, pipefitters, and fabrication personnel.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, workforce development, and employee performance management.
• Manage workforce scheduling, timekeeping, attendance, and labor allocation.
• Monitor labor utilization and productivity to ensure manpower is being used effectively.
• Identify training needs and develop employees' technical skills, productivity, and overall capabilities.
• Maintain accountability for the quality and performance of the workforce on the shop floor.

Safety & Quality Control

• Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure employees follow company safety policies and procedures.
• Oversee shop safety practices, training, inspections, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure fabrication work meets project specifications, quality standards, and applicable welding requirements.
• Work with quality personnel to address deficiencies, reduce rework, and maintain consistent workmanship.
• Hold supervisors and employees accountable for safe work practices and quality production.

Facility & Equipment Management

• Maintain overall responsibility for the condition, organization, and functionality of the fabrication facility.
• Oversee shop equipment, welding machines, tools, material handling equipment, and other operational assets.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance, equipment repairs, and facility upkeep.
• Identify equipment or facility needs that could impact production and address them proactively.
• Maintain an organized, efficient, and productive shop environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in mechanical pipe fabrication shop operations.
• Strong working knowledge of welding, pipefitting, fabrication processes, and shop production workflows.
• Previous experience managing fabrication operations, preferably in a mechanical construction environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a large shop workforce and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with labor tracking, production scheduling, manpower planning, and resource allocation.
• Ability to understand fabrication drawings, project requirements, and production schedules.
• Strong understanding of welding quality, fabrication standards, and shop safety practices.
• Experience managing supervisors, hiring, training, employee performance, and timekeeping.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance immediate production demands with long-term shop capacity and project commitments.

Preferred Background:

• Experience overseeing a mechanical fabrication shop specializing in carbon steel and stainless steel pipe fabrication.
• Experience supporting commercial or industrial mechanical construction projects.
• Previous experience as a Fabrication Superintendent, Shop Superintendent, Fabrication Manager, or similar operations leadership role.

What We're Looking For

We need a hands-on operational leader who understands fabrication from the ground up and knows how to turn project requirements into an executable shop plan. This individual must be comfortable managing people, production, labor, schedules, and resources while maintaining accountability for the overall performance of the facility.

Pipe fabrication and mechanical welding experience are strongly preferred. Candidates whose primary background is structural steel fabrication, without substantial mechanical pipe fabrication experience, may not be the right fit.