Fabrication Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

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