METAL FABRICATION TEAM LEAD

POSITION SUMMARY

The Fabrication Lead Man is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of the fabrication department and leading a small team. This department manages all material processing activities prior to fit-up and welding, including cutting and forming raw materials. The Fabrication Lead Man ensures production flows efficiently, verifies that established processes are followed, addresses issues as they arise, and confirms that complete, accurate parts are prepared and ready before fitters and welders begin work. Additionally, this role is responsible for developing and implementing new processes and procedures to improve efficiency, address operational needs, and support continuous improvement within the department.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct and coordinate all activities within the metal fabrication department in accordance with established procedures and approved processes, including cutting, bending, assembling, and finishing operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by applying lean manufacturing techniques and proactively researching and implementing new methods and processes to reduce production time while maintaining consistent quality standards.
• Develop and implement standardized departmental procedures, work instructions, and processes to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate departmental activities to fulfil project schedule demands and deliver finished products on time and within budget.
• Coordinate work across all weld shop, fabrication, and design departments to ensure cohesive project execution by clarifying drawings, resolving issues, and keeping jobs moving efficiently through production.
• Keep the project manager apprised of changes to scheduled execution dates.
• Maintain clear communication with management and cross-functional departments regarding job progress, production issues, and operational needs.
• Ability to locate, retrieve and disseminate information from blueprints and other engineering drawings.
• Monitor work for quality, completeness, and accuracy by verifying parts are produced to print and meet job requirements before advancing to the next stage.
• Manage material inventory, equipment maintenance, and tooling requirements to ensure smooth operations and minimal downtime.
• Manage all safety and environmental policies and procedures in the department.
• Provide leadership and direction to the fabrication and assembly team, including training, performance evaluations, and addressing any issues or concerns that arise.
• Demonstrate leadership through strong work ethic, professionalism, accountability, and consistent follow-through.
• Enforce accountability for productivity, quality, attendance, and adherence to instructions across the team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous Experience in Metal manufacturing environment is essential.
• Demonstrate excellent ability to work in a “team” environment and share knowledge of discipline-specific work, both vertically and horizontally across the organization.
• Demonstrate skills in team building, mentoring, for individual associate growth and developing culture of innovation and learning.
• Ability to make well-informed, rational decisions and demonstrate the skill of problem solving within the framework of organizational policies and procedures.
• Must possess the ability to lead all personnel assigned to the fabrication department.
• Strong sense of urgency with a proactive approach and high standards for performance.
• Basic proficiency with computer systems and software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time. Continual use of hands, considerable arms, and legs as well as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver 50 lbs. without physical restrictions.
• Always wear appropriate PPE such as safety glasses, welding helmets, hearing protection, gloves, and safety toe boots.
• Able to work in hot and cold environments during summer and winter months.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• 2 years of demonstrated successful experience as a welder, fitter, or fitter/welder in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of shop hazards and safety rules and procedures.
• Fabrication technical training preferred.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent, associate degree preferred.
• Three to five years of experience managing others.
• Five years prior welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to set-up and operate all types of welding equipment (TIG, MIG)
• Demonstrated ability to read engineering drawings.
• Able to work overtime if needed.
• MUST be dependable and provide references and good work history.

Benefit Information

• Health Insurance
  • Employee coverage paid in full
  • Dependent coverage available (employee contribution)
• Dental Insurance
  • Coverage available for employees and family
• Life Insurance
  • $25,000 company-paid life insurance
  • Optional additional coverage available
• Retirement
  • Simple IRA with up to 3% company match
• Paid Time Off
  • 7 paid holidays
  • 80 hours of vacation after 1 year of service
• Additional Benefits
  • $100 annual clothing allowance
  • Paid uniforms
• Career development opportunities, including company-sponsored training and employer-paid professional certifications.

Level/Salary Rang: $22-28/hour

Please note this job description is not designed to cover and contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.