Director of Operations - Welding, Fabrication & Custom Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Director of Operations to lead and optimize our custom manufacturing and fabrication operations. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced leader who has successfully managed welding, fabrication, machining, assembly, and made-to-order manufacturing teams while driving operational excellence, safety, quality, and profitability.

We're looking for someone who isn't afraid to spend time on the production floor, mentor leaders, solve operational challenges, and build scalable processes that support company growth.

What You'll Lead

• Direct all manufacturing, welding, fabrication, warehouse, and production operations.
• Lead multiple departments while ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives that improve throughput, reduce waste, and increase profitability.
• Develop operational strategies that support company growth and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to production efficiency, labor utilization, scrap reduction, quality, safety, and delivery performance.
• Oversee scheduling, workflow, capacity planning, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Improve shop floor processes through continuous improvement, standard work, and operational best practices.
• Partner with Engineering, Estimating, Production Planning, Purchasing, Quality, and Sales to ensure projects move efficiently from quote to shipment.
• Evaluate and implement equipment, automation, tooling, and process improvements that increase manufacturing capacity and efficiency.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Build, mentor, and develop Production Managers, Fabrication Managers, Welding Supervisors, Warehouse Managers, and Department Leaders.
• Foster a culture built on accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Coach leaders to improve employee engagement, retention, and performance.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, succession planning, workforce development, and performance management.
• Build leadership pipelines to support long-term organizational growth.

Safety & Quality

• Champion a safety-first culture throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Lead investigations, corrective actions, and preventative initiatives.
• Maintain high-quality manufacturing standards while driving customer satisfaction.

Financial & Strategic Leadership

• Manage operational budgets, labor costs, capital expenditures, and departmental performance.
• Analyze manufacturing metrics to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability.
• Support strategic planning and long-term operational growth initiatives.
• Make data-driven decisions that improve productivity while controlling costs.
  

We're Looking For Someone With Experience In

• Custom manufacturing
• Metal fabrication
• Structural steel fabrication
• Welding operations
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Industrial manufacturing
• Heavy equipment manufacturing
• OEM manufacturing
• Machine shops
• Job shop manufacturing
• Build-to-order or engineer-to-order environments
  

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, welding, fabrication, or industrial operations.
• At least 5 years leading multiple managers, supervisors, or production departments.
• Strong background in welding, fabrication, machining, custom manufacturing, or metal manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, reducing costs, increasing throughput, and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, or other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes, welding operations, production scheduling, quality systems, and manufacturing workflows.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting labor, capital expenditures, and operational performance.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field preferred.
  Benefits
• Competitive Salary: $80,000–$120,000
• Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability
• 401(k) with 100% Company Match on the First 4%
• Paid Vacation & Company Holidays
• Professional Development & Leadership Growth Opportunities
• Stable, growing manufacturing company with long-term career potential