Shop Foreman

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Shop Foreman is responsible for supervising daily shop operations, coordinating staff, ensuring repair quality, enforcing safety procedures, and maintaining workflow efficiency. This role oversees repair activities, supports productivity, trains technicians and apprentices, and ensures compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and safety expectations. The Shop Foreman works closely with the Shop Manager, Operations staff, and other departments to maintain operational consistency, equipment reliability, and safe work practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Staff Management

• Schedule and direct shop staff to meet production deadlines as assigned by the Shop Manager
• Lead, mentor, and train new staff and apprentices to support skills development
• Assist Shop Manager with annual performance reviews for shop personnel
• Identify employee training needs and communicate recommendations to the Shop Manager
• Provide guidance, support, and supervision to ensure work quality and consistency

Operational Oversight

• Oversee repair activities to ensure procedures and specifications are followed
• Review workflow and recommend process improvements to increase shop efficiency
• Communicate daily priorities, workflow changes, and urgent requirements to shop staff 
• Collaborate with administrative staff to improve shop documentation and workflow accuracy
• Participate in weekly operations meetings and provide updates on shop status

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all shop and yard activities comply with federal, provincial/state, and local health and safety regulations
• Enforce safety policies, procedures, and proper use of PPE
• Report all safety infractions, near misses, and lost-time incidents to the Shop Manager immediately
• Support workplace inspections, hazard identification, and corrective actions
• Recommend improvements to tools, equipment, and work practices to enhance safety

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve shop layout, workflow, equipment usage, and processes
• Provide recommendations to the Shop Manager regarding staffing adjustments based on workload
• Support changes to enhance productivity, quality, and operational consistency

Other Duties

• Follow all workplace instructions and policies (written or verbal)
• Provide shop coverage and support for day-to-day business operations as required
• Other duties as assigned by the Shop Manager or senior leadership

Qualifications & Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or diploma in Quality Assurance, Machining, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a quality control or inspection role within a machine shop, manufacturing, or MRO environment; experience with rotating equipment (pumps, centrifuges, gearboxes) is an asset.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Hands-on experience with precision measuring instruments; CMM (coordinate measuring machine) experience is an asset.
• Familiarity with machining, welding, and mechanical assembly processes and common defect types.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to document findings clearly and accurately.
• Effective communication skills to liaise with shop floor staff, engineering, and management.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office); ERP system experience is an asset.