Fabrication Shop Manager

Taylor Shellfish Company Inc; Shelton (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Taylor Shellfish Company Inc in Shelton, WA seeks a Fabrication Shop Manager to lead daily shop operations, supervise welders and fabricators, manage materials and equipment, and ensure quality and safety. The role requires hands-on leadership, process improvement, and cross-functional coordination with engineering, estimating, and field teams. You will drive productivity and maintain a clean, safe, and efficient shop environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in metal fabrication, welding, manufacturing, or related field.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication processes (welding, cutting, forming, grinding, fitting, and assembly).
• Strong understanding of workplace safety practices.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily fabrication shop operations and production activities.
• Plan, schedule, and prioritize jobs based on projects, repair needs, and production priorities.
• Monitor workflow and adjust to keep projects moving efficiently.
• Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, and develop shop personnel.
• Coordinate material purchasing, maintain inventory, and oversee equipment maintenance.
• Ensure fabricated products meet drawings, specifications, tolerances, and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Project scheduling

Safety management

Team management

Organizational skills

Tools

Project management software

Job description

The Fabrication Shop Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of the fabrication shop, including production, personnel, materials, equipment, quality, safety, and project scheduling. This position provides leadership and direction to welders, fabricators, assemblers, and other shop personnel while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and according to company standards.AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYShop Operations & ProductionManage daily fabrication shop operations and production activities.Plan, schedule, and prioritize jobs based on projects, repair needs, and production priorities.Monitor workflow and make adjustments to keep projects moving efficiently.Ensure jobs are completed according to drawings, specifications, and quality standards.Identify production bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve efficiency and throughput.Maintain an organized, clean, and professional shop environment.Track and maintain project management software.Personnel ManagementAssist with recruiting and onboarding qualified shop employees.Supervise, train, and develop welders, fabricators, assemblers, and other shop personnel.Assign work based on employee skill level, project requirements, and production priorities.Establish clear expectations for productivity, workmanship, attendance, and safety.Conduct employee coaching and performance evaluations and administer disciplinary action when necessary.Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive shop culture.Materials, Equipment & Cost ControlMonitor inventory of steel, aluminum, welding consumables, hardware, and other shop materials.Coordinate material purchasing and ensure materials are available when needed.Maintain shop equipment and coordinate preventative maintenance and repairs.Ensure tools and equipment are used properly and remain in safe operating condition.Track material usage, waste, and equipment-related costs.Monitor labor hours, production costs, overtime, scrap, and rework.Work toward established productivity and profitability goals.Implement processes that improve consistency and reduce rework, scrap, and material waste.Quality & Project CoordinationEnsure fabricated products meet drawings, specifications, tolerances, and quality expectations.Inspect work and address quality issues before products leave the shop.Coordinate with estimating, engineering, project management, purchasing, and field installation teams.Review job progress and identify potential schedule or cost issues earlyConduct employee coaching and performance evaluations and administer disciplinary action when necessary.PRIMARY OBJECTIVESMaintain a safe, organized, and productive fabrication shop.Complete fabrication and repair projects safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within established cost expectations.Ensure all fabricated products meet applicable drawings, specifications, tolerances, and quality standards.Effectively manage shop personnel, workflow, materials, equipment, and production priorities.Minimize material waste, scrap, rework, and unnecessary overtime.Identify opportunities to improve shop processes, productivity, quality, and efficiency.Maintain clear communication and effective coordination with engineering, estimating, purchasing, project management, and field installation teams.Develop and maintain a skilled, accountable, and collaborative shop team.Promote and enforce company safety standards and safe work practices.Support established productivity and profitability goals.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, JOB & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS5+ years of experience in metal fabrication, welding, manufacturing, or a related field.Previous supervisory or management experience.Strong knowledge of fabrication processes, including welding, cutting, forming, grinding, fitting, and assembly.Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.Strong understanding of workplace safety practices.Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.Ability to work effectively with employees, vendors, engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders.PHYSICAL DEMANDSAbility to sit, stand, and/or walk on uneven ground for up to 10 hours per day.Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, twist, and squat as required.Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. Occasionally, the employee may be required to exert up to 125 lbs. of force.Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Must be able to speak and hear sufficiently to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and managers.Must be able to use hands for repetitive simple grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.Must have sufficient agility and balance to safely climb on machines, boats, and other equipment.Must be able to drive for up to 8 hours per day, including travel to multiple locations.