Fabrications and Welding Manager

Panda; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in the UK is looking for a Fabrications and Welding Manager to oversee fabrication and welding operations across multiple sites. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in a senior welding management role, strong technical knowledge, and excellent leadership skills. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with quality standards, driving continuous improvement, and engaging with key stakeholders. This role also offers competitive salary and benefits including a company car or allowance.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Company car or allowance

Performance-related bonus

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior fabrication / welding management role.
• Experience leading teams across multiple locations.
• Strong understanding of MIG welding and relevant welding codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead all fabrication and welding activities across UK sites.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for welding.
• Ensure compliance with quality benchmarks.

Skills

Team leadership

Technical understanding of carbon steel fabrication

Excellent communication skills

Project management

Education

Vocational qualification in welding or fabrication

HNC / HND or Degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

January 2026 start

Location : UK – Multi-Site (Travel Required)

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Fabrications and Welding Manager to lead the end-to-end fabrication and welding operations for the containers required for our Collection operation and associated heavy steel waste management equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all fabrication and welding activities across UK sites specialising in skip and RoRo container repairs and manufacture
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for welding and fabrication that meet industry and customer-specific standards
• Ensure consistent compliance with quality benchmarks, including welding standards (BS EN ISO 9606, BS EN 1090) and in-house dimensional / strength specifications
• Ensure rigorous on-site risk assessments are carried out for all fabrication and welding activities, with appropriate safety measures implemented
• Implement structured production schedules to meet delivery commitments while optimising resource use, minimising waste, and reducing rework
• Provide hands‑on leadership to site supervisors, welders, and fabrication staff – ensuring alignment with company expectations on quality, output, and safety
• Drive continuous improvement through structured problem‑solving, root cause analysis, and lean manufacturing principles
• Lead internal project delivery for new product variants, custom builds, or production facility upgrades
• Engage directly with key stakeholders (e.g., sales, design, quality, clients, and suppliers) to align operational capability with commercial requirements
• Manage multi‑site staffing plans, skills development, recruitment, and performance management
• Maintain and enforce rigorous health and safety policies in line with UK legislation and industry best practices
• Ensure all lifting operations and working at height activities comply with LOLER regulations and relevant safety protocols
• Evaluate investment opportunities in tooling, jigs, robotics, and automation to improve throughput and competitiveness
• Oversee the management and traceability of all materials, including serial number tracking, batch control, and proper documentation across sites
• Manage stock control of raw materials, consumables, and components to ensure availability and cost efficiency across all sites
• Support costing, tendering, and delivery tracking for both standard and bespoke fabrication projects
• Ensure compliance with COSHH regulations regarding the use and storage of hazardous substances, including paints and chemical products used in fabrication

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior fabrication / welding management role, ideally within skip, RoRo, heavy steel, or structural steel manufacturing
• Strong technical understanding of carbon steel fabrication, MIG welding, and thicknesses typically used in waste container manufacture (e.g., 3–10mm steel plate)
• Recognised vocational qualification in welding or fabrication (e.g., NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, or equivalent)
• Experience leading teams across multiple locations and coordinating production workflows
• Demonstrable project management experience – able to manage timelines, costs, and resource plans
• Familiarity with relevant welding codes and standards (e.g., BS EN 1090, BS EN ISO 9606-1)
• Highly structured and process‑driven approach to planning, execution, and continuous improvement
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills – both on the shop floor and at senior level
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel to fabrication sites

Desirable

• HNC / HND or Degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering
• Welding inspector qualifications (e.g., CSWIP 3.0 or 3.1)
• Experience in lean manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma environments
• ERP / MRP system experience
• Experience implementing or auditing to ISO 9001 or ISO 3834
• Exposure to business development or entrepreneurial activities, such as new product introduction, client engagement, or process automation initiatives

Personal Attributes

• Decisive, structured, and results‑oriented
• Entrepreneurial thinker – able to spot opportunities for improvement, innovation, or value‑add
• Practical and hands‑on leader with credibility on the shop floor
• Strong commercial awareness and customer‑focused approach
• Capable of influencing internal and external stakeholders
• Resilient, adaptable, and calm under pressure

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Company car or allowance
• Performance‑related bonus
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Career development opportunities in a growing business
• A collaborative team culture committed to quality and innovation

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