Fab Shop Manager

Eastern Metal Supply, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Metal Supply, Inc. seeks a Fabrication Shop Manager to lead welding, cutting, forming, assembly, and related manufacturing processes. You will drive production planning, safety, and quality while coordinating with supervisors to meet schedules and budgets.

The role requires strong leadership, blueprint reading, and Lean manufacturing knowledge, plus hands-on oversight of shop operations, equipment, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of fabrication/manufacturing experience.
• 2-3 years supervising or leading teams.
• Ability to read technical drawings/blueprints.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily fabrication shop operations including welding, cutting, forming, assembly, and other value-added processes.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Establish priorities and allocate resources to meet customer and operational requirements.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, and retain supervisors and shop personnel.
• Hold supervisors and team members accountable for KPIs and objectives.
• Implement Lean, 5S, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and lower costs.
• Lead safety initiatives, training programs, and accident prevention efforts.
• Maintain inventory control and cycle counts; review discrepancies and submit adjustments.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance to minimize downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Blueprint reading

Lean manufacturing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certification in welding/manufacturing/mechanical engineering

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Fabrication Shop Manager is responsible for leading all fabrication shop operations, including welding, cutting, forming, assembly, and other value-added manufacturing processes.

Production planning, workforce management, quality assurance, inventory control, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role ensures that fabrication processes are executed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with production schedules, quality requirements, and financial objectives.

The Fabrication Shop Manager provides leadership and direction to supervisors and production personnel while fostering a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily fabrication shop operations, including welding, cutting, forming, assembly, and other value-added manufacturing processes
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency standards
• Establish priorities and allocate resources to meet customer and operational requirements
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, and retain supervisors and shop personnel
• Hold supervisors and team members accountable for key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational objectives
• Implement and support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and lower operating costs
• Ensure products meet customer specifications and company quality standards
• Lead safety initiatives, training programs, and accident prevention efforts
• Ensure the availability of raw materials, tooling, and production supplies to support operational requirements
• Oversee inventory control activities and cycle count processes
• Review inventory discrepancies and submit adjustment recommendations for approval
• Establish and monitor preventive maintenance programs for fabrication equipment
• Coordinate corrective maintenance activities to minimize downtime
• Maintain an understanding of departmental cost structures and operational expenses
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and profit and loss (P&L) management activities
• Maintain accurate production records, work orders, and operational reports

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate degree or technical certification in welding, manufacturing, or mechanical engineering is a plus

Experience/Skills/Abilities Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a fabrication, metalworking, or manufacturing environment
• Minimum 2-3 years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes including welding, cutting, forming, fabrication layout, and assembly
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and shop drawings
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in shop math and basic computer skills (MS Office, ERP systems)
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement processes

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Typical office environment – moderate noise level. This position regularly requires standing; walking; sitting; use hands; reaching with hands and arms; and talking and/or hearing. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and has equal access to opportunities.

Drug-Free Workplace

WE ARE A DRUGFREE WORKPLACE