Director of Operations

BIC Recruiting; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Baton Rouge, LA-based Director of Operations role for a steel fabrication company. Leads and optimizes all operational activities including production, project execution, quality control, safety, maintenance, scheduling, and workforce management.

Requires 10–12 years in operations leadership within steel fabrication, familiarity with Tekla/SDS‑2, and strong budgeting and personnel management skills. Oversees shop operations, vendor coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of operations leadership experience in steel fabrication or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of structural steel fabrication processes.
• Experience managing budgets, schedules, labor, quality, and profitability.
• Familiarity with fabrication software such as Tekla and SDS/2; working within AISC-certified environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational budgets, labor costs, overtime, subcontracting, and departmental expenses.
• Monitor job profitability and operational performance.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, workflow, and capacity utilization.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget per contract requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop operations managers and shop personnel.

Skills

Operations leadership

Budget management

Leadership

Safety & quality

Tools

Tekla

SDS/2

Estimating software

Scheduling software

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Our client delivers a full spectrum of quality products and services related to the steel fabrication industry.

POSITION TITLE

Director of Operations

COMPENSATION

Competitive Base + DOE

BENEFITS

Standard package

LOCATION

Baton Rouge, LA

SUMMARY

The irectr of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing all operational activities of a steel fabrication company, including production, project execution, quality control, safety, maintenance, scheduling, and workforce management.

DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage operational budgets, labor costs, overtime, subcontracting, and departmental expenses.
• Monitor job profitability and operational performance.
• Participate in estimating, bid reviews, contract evaluations, and project risk assessments.
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Implement cost-control measures without compromising safety or quality.
• Direct daily operations across fabrication shops and supporting departments.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company growth and profitability goals.
• Establish performance objectives, key performance indicators, and accountability systems.
• Ensure effective coordination among estimating, detailing, procurement, production, shipping, and project management.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, workflow, and capacity utilization.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to contract requirements.
• Monitor shop productivity, labor efficiency, material usage, rework, and throughput.
• Ensure proper prioritization of jobs based on project schedules, material availability, labor capacity, and customer commitments.
• Review production reports and resolve bottlenecks or delays.
• Maintain high standards for fabrication, welding, fit-up, finishing, and installation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, project specifications, and industry standards, including AISC, AWS, OSHA, and other relevant requirements.
• Oversee quality control and quality assurance programs.
• Reduce scrap, rework, nonconformances, and customer complaints.
• Support audits, inspections, certifications, and corrective action programs.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture throughout shop and field operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Monitor incident rates, near misses, training completion, and safety performance.
• Lead investigations of workplace incidents and implement preventive measures.
• Ensure employees are properly trained in equipment operation, welding safety, rigging, fall protection, PPE, and other applicable requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop operations managers, shop supervisors, and project personnel.
• Establish staffing plans based on production requirements and business forecasts.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and employee retention.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Address performance issues promptly and fairly.
• Oversee maintenance, repair, and safe operation of fabrication equipment, cranes, forklifts, welding machines, and related assets.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime.
• Manage material flow, inventory levels, and storage practices.
• Collaborate with purchasing and suppliers to ensure timely availability of steel, hardware, consumables, and subcontracted services.
• Evaluate equipment and technology investments to improve capacity, safety, and efficiency.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 10–12 years of operations leadership experience in steel fabrication, structural steel, metal manufacturing, construction, or a related industry.
• Strong knowledge of structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication processes.
• Familiarity with welding, fit-up, cutting, drilling, blasting, painting, galvanizing, assembly and shipping.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, schedules, labor, quality, and profitability.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with production management, scheduling, estimating, or project management software.
• Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, architectural and structural plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Experience working within an AISC-certified organization.
• Experience with structural steel projects, industrial fabrication, miscellaneous metals, or heavy fabrication.
• Familiarity with fabrication software, including Tekla and SDS/2