Fabrication Operations Manager
Job Description
- 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.
- 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
Meet Your Recruiter
Sabrina Herrera
Sabrina Herrera is a seasoned Technical Recruiter with a knack for establishing genuine connections with candidates and continuously expanding her expertise in various roles and industries. With one year of dedicated service at Sterling and an impressive 15-year journey in the recruiting arena, Sabrina has become a respected figure in talent acquisition.
As a Technical Recruiter, Sabrina's ability to build strong relationships with candidates sets her apart. She values the opportunity to understand each individual's unique strengths, aspirations, and career goals, ensuring she can guide them toward the most suitable and fulfilling opportunities.
Having spent 15 years in the recruiting domain, Sabrina's experience spans diverse industries and roles. She embraces the challenges of exploring new fields, consistently striving to expand her knowledge and expertise. Her dedication to continuous learning allows her to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices in the recruitment landscape.
Sabrina advises fellow professionals to cultivate a curious mindset and actively seek new challenges and projects that push the boundaries of their abilities. Embracing the unknown and venturing into uncharted territories can lead to personal and professional growth, ultimately elevating one's effectiveness in the field of recruitment.