Fabrication Team Lead

EQ Consultants; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Locally owned

Diverse projects

Safety focus

Job summary

Metalworld in Sydenham, Christchurch seeks a Fabrication Team Lead to own workshop performance and delivery. You’ll lead a six to eight person team, balancing 80% leadership with 20% hands-on welding and fabrication.

You’ll drive quality, safety and ISO-aligned processes, read drawings, plan daily work, and promote continuous improvement across fabrication operations. This is a permanent role with a supportive culture and diverse project work.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in sheet metal fabrication (steel and aluminium).
• Trade qualification at Level 4 or higher preferred.
• Strong experience leading teams in a workshop environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings confidently.
• Solid understanding of fabrication processes, machinery, and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing fabrication team.
• Drive accountability, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor team output and report on productivity and KPIs.
• Plan and allocate daily work across fabrication staff and apprentices.
• Perform MIG & TIG welding as required; support complex fabrication and assembly.

Skills

Sheet metal fabrication

Team leadership

Reading drawings

Fabrication processes

ERP/workshop reporting

Education

Trade qualification (Level 4+)

Tools

ERP systems

Workshop reporting tools

Job description

The Opportunity

Metalworld is a well-established fabrication business delivering high-quality, bespoke metal solutions across both public and private sectors. With a strong reputation for innovation and continuous improvement, they are now seeking a Fabrication Team Lead to take ownership of workshop performance and delivery.

This is a predominantly leadership and management role, with an approximate 80/20 split:

• 80% leadership, planning, quality assurance and performance management


• 20% hands‑on support with welding, fabrication and assembly as required

You’ll lead a team of six to eight while remaining hands‑on in delivering high-quality fabrication outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Performance

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing fabrication team


• Drive accountability, productivity, and continuous improvement


• Monitor team output and report on productivity and KPIs


• Plan and allocate daily work across fabrication staff and apprentices

Hands‑on Fabrication

• Perform MIG & TIG welding across a variety of projects


• Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications


• Support complex fabrication, layout, and assembly work


• Identify and implement productivity and workflow improvements

Quality & Safety

• Ensure all work meets engineering specifications and QA standards


• Conduct weld inspections and minimise rework and defects


• Lead a strong H&S culture, ensuring full compliance across the team


• Support ISO-aligned quality processes and continuous improvement

What You’ll Bring

• 10+ years’ experience in sheet metal fabrication (steel and aluminium)


• A relevant trade qualification (Level 4 or higher preferred)


• Strong experience leading teams in a workshop environment


• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings confidently


• Solid understanding of fabrication processes, machinery, and workflows


• Experience using ERP systems and workshop reporting tools (or similar)

What Sets You Apart

• A natural leader who enjoys coaching and developing others


• Highly organised with strong planning and time management skills


• Practical, solutions-focused, and calm under pressure


• Strong communicator who builds credibility with their team


• Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Why Metalworld?

• Well-regarded, locally owned fabrication business


• Diverse, interesting project work across multiple sectors


• Supportive team culture with a focus on respect, safety, and innovation


• Opportunity to shape team performance and workshop standards


• Stable, permanent full‑time role in Sydenham, Christchurch

To be considered for this role you need to have either New Zealand citizenship or residency.