Steel Fabrication Manager

Surespan Group; Duncan; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fabrication company in British Columbia is seeking an experienced Steel Production Manager. This role involves leading fabrication operations, implementing Lean manufacturing principles, and managing KPIs in a safety-focused environment. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in steel fabrication and strong leadership abilities. This position offers a long-term career with growth potential and comprehensive health benefits after 3 months of employment.

Benefits

Group Extended Health & Dental Benefits

Employee Family Assistance Program

Stable, long-term career with growth potential

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on steel fabrication experience.
• 5+ years in a management role in a fabrication shop.
• Strong working knowledge of welding processes and fabrication drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day steel shop fabrication operations.
• Establish and manage production KPIs.
• Champion a zero-incident safety culture.

Skills

Welding processes (MIG, FCAW, SMAW, Sub-Arc)

Leadership and coaching skills

Organizational ability

Problem-solving skills

Education

Welding Engineering Technologist, Production Management Certification or Red Seal Certification

Job description

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and driven Steel Production Manager to lead our fabrication operations. This is a hands‑on leadership role for a seasoned fabrication professional who thrives on performance improvement, Lean manufacturing, KPI‑driven results, and developing high‑performing teams.

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical fabrication expertise, proven leadership ability, and a passion for building efficient, safe, and high‑output production systems.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production Leadership

• Lead day‑to‑day steel shop fabrication operations to ensure safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate labour, equipment, and materials to achieve production goals.
• Identify bottlenecks, slow processes, and critical path constraints and implement improvements to increase throughput.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine production lines, workflows, and fabrication processes.
• Drive accountability and performance at all levels of the shop.
• Manage shop costs and budgets, track performance against forecast and targets

KPI & Performance Management

• Establish, track, and manage production KPIs including:
  • Labour efficiency
  • On‑time delivery
  • Scrap and rework
  • Throughput and productivity
• Analyze performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Implement corrective action plans for underperforming areas.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles (5S, waste reduction, visual management, standard work, continuous flow).
• Develop standardized work procedures for fabrication processes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve quality, and lower operating costs.

People Leadership, Coaching & Training

• Lead, mentor, and develop welders, fitters, operators, and supervisors.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and skills development.
• Build a positive, accountable, and safety‑focused shop culture.
• Identify training needs and implement structured training programs.

Quality & Welding Certifications

• Ensure all welding procedures, welder certifications, and quality standards are maintained and compliant.
• Oversee WPS, WPQR, and CWB (or equivalent) requirements.
• Ensure fabrication quality meets engineering, client, and regulatory requirements.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a zero‑incident safety culture.
• Ensure all shop operations comply with OH&S regulations and company safety standards.
• Lead safety meetings, audits, and incident investigations.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of hands‑on steel fabrication experience, including structural steel and/or heavy fabrication.
• 5+ years in a management role in a fabrication shop environment.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Welding processes (MIG, FCAW, SMAW, Sub‑Arc)
  • Read and interpret fabrication drawings and weld symbols
  • Fit‑up, layout, and production sequencing
• Proven experience implementing:
  • KPIs and performance tracking
  • Lean manufacturing principles
  • Production line and workflow development
• Strong understanding of welding certification and quality systems (CWB, AWS, or equivalent).
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
• High level of organizational, scheduling, and problem‑solving ability.

Preferred Assets

• Welding Engineering Technologist, Production Management Certification or Red Seal Certification
• Lean Six Sigma (Yellow/Green Belt)
• Experience with automated fabrication equipment (beam lines, CNC plasma, robotic welding)
• Experience with production tracking systems
• Ability to plan and schedule resources for day and night shift

What We Offer

• Group Extended Health & Dental Benefits after 3 months of employment
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Stable, long‑term career with growth potential