Fabrication Workshop Lead

Ess; Box; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Ess Employment Ltd in Nailsworth is seeking a Workshop Foreman to plan and supervise daily fabrication activities, ensure drawings and specs are met, allocate tasks to fabricators and apprentices, and monitor progress to meet deadlines.

You will lead quality checks, health and safety, and manage labour, equipment, and materials while coordinating with the main office to keep deliveries on track.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of mild steel fabrication and welding processes.
• Pattern development and heave plate experience.
• Ability to read engineering and fabrication drawings.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Understanding of quality assurance systems.
• Good planning and organisational abilities.
• Experience with workshop machinery and fabrication equipment.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• CE/UKCA execution class requirements where applicable.
• Weld traceability and material certification control.
• Client witness inspections and FATs.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise and coordinate daily workshop activities.
• Allocate work to fabricators, welders and apprentices.
• Monitor production progress and address delays or bottlenecks.
• Liaise with main office managers regarding workload and delivery schedules.
• Ensure fabrication complies with project drawings and client specifications.
• Conduct dimensional checks and visual inspections throughout fabrication.
• Verify weld quality and compliance with relevant welding procedures.
• Ensure non-conforming work is identified, recorded and rectified.
• Maintain quality inspection records where required.
• Promote and enforce safe working practices within the workshop.
• Conduct toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Ensure PPE is worn and maintained by all personnel.
• Report accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions.
• Ensure lifting operations and use of machinery are carried out safely.
• Monitor compliance with COSHH and environmental requirements.
• Supervise fabricators, welders, machine operators and apprentices.
• Monitor employee performance, attendance and productivity.
• Provide technical guidance and support to workshop personnel.
• Resolve day-to-day workforce issues and maintain discipline where necessary.
• Monitor stock levels of steel, consumables and workshop supplies.
• Coordinate material requirements with purchasing and stores personnel.
• Ensure equipment and tools are maintained and serviceable.
• Report machinery defects and arrange repairs where required.
• Minimise material wastage.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings and specifications.
• Identify fabrication methods and sequencing requirements.
• Assist with problem solving and fabrication design issues.
• Support site installation teams with technical queries when required.
• Schedule completed fabrications for dispatch.
• Ensure products are correctly labelled, protected and loaded.
• Monitor project deadlines and prioritise workloads accordingly.
• Complete production reports and progress updates.
• Maintain fabrication and welding records.
• Record labour hours and workshop productivity data.
• Maintain training and competency records for workshop personnel.

Skills

Mild steel fabrication

Welding processes

Pattern development

Read drawings

Leadership

Quality assurance

Planning & organisation

Equipment maintenance

Weld traceability

UKCA/CE compliance

Job description

Ess Employment Ltd in Nailsworth is seeking a Workshop Foreman to plan and supervise daily fabrication activities, ensure drawings and specs are met, allocate tasks to fabricators and apprentices, and monitor progress to meet deadlines.

You will lead quality checks, health and safety, and manage labour, equipment, and materials while coordinating with the main office to keep deliveries on track.