Fabrication Shop Manager

Together We Build - Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.

Fabrication Shop Manager
Position Summary

The Fabrication Shop Manager oversees the daily operations, production planning, workforce management, quality control, and safety performance of the mechanical fabrication shop. This role is responsible for ensuring the efficient fabrication of HVAC ductwork, piping systems, plumbing assemblies, skids, and related mechanical components in support of field construction operations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader with strong fabrication knowledge, production management experience, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced mechanical contracting environment.
Key Responsibilities
Shop Operations & Production Management

• Lead and oversee all day-to-day fabrication shop operations.
• Manage production schedules to support project timelines and field installation needs.
• Coordinate labor, equipment, materials, and workflow to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Monitor fabrication output, labor utilization, and production performance metrics.
• Ensure fabrication activities are completed safely, accurately, on schedule, and within budget.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Field Leadership, and Operations teams to prioritize shop workload and project demands.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Supervise shop personnel including welders, pipefitters, sheet metal fabricators, machine operators, and shop support staff.
• Conduct hiring, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, and performance management for shop employees.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Develop employee skills through training, mentoring, and cross-functional development.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels to support operational demands.

Quality Control & Process Improvement

• Ensure all fabricated materials meet company standards, project specifications, and quality requirements.
• Implement and maintain shop quality control procedures and inspection processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve production flow, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.
• Monitor rework, scrap, and production errors and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to fabrication methods, equipment utilization, and shop organization.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and shop safety procedures.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, inspections, and hazard assessments.
• Ensure employees are properly trained on equipment operation, PPE requirements, and safe work practices.
• Maintain compliance with environmental, welding, and fabrication regulations and standards.

Inventory, Equipment & Facility Management

• Oversee shop inventory levels for raw materials, consumables, and fabrication supplies.
• Coordinate purchasing and material deliveries with procurement and project teams.
• Ensure fabrication equipment, machinery, tools, and vehicles are maintained and operational.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs and coordinate equipment repairs as needed.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient fabrication facility.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with Estimating, Engineering, BIM/VDC, Project Management, and Field Operations teams to support project execution.
• Participate in project planning and turnover meetings to align fabrication schedules with field needs.
• Communicate production updates, challenges, and staffing needs to leadership.
• Support prefabrication and modular construction initiatives to improve field productivity and project outcomes.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical fabrication, sheet metal, piping, plumbing, or industrial fabrication operations.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a fabrication shop or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of HVAC duct fabrication, piping systems, welding processes, and mechanical construction practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, isometrics, and specifications.
• Experience managing production schedules, labor planning, and shop operations.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and shop safety best practices.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fabrication/shop management software preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical contracting, industrial construction, or commercial construction environments.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, prefabrication, or modular construction strategies.
• Welding certifications or fabrication trade background preferred.

• Base Salary Range: $95,000-$130,000
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO

Pay Transparency Statement:
The compensation range provided represents the Company's good-faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and other business considerations.

Why Join Kelso Industries?


Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.


Here you will experience:


Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.


Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.


Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.


Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.


Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business