Fabrication/Welding Supervisor

Winkle Industries, Inc.; Alliance, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Winkle Industries, Inc. seeks a Fabrication Supervisor to lead welding, fabrication, lifting devices, finals, and sandblast teams. You will set performance objectives, train staff, and uphold safety policies.

Responsibilities include coordinating with cross-functional teams, maintaining work instructions, estimating production hours, and driving continuous improvement to meet production goals. This role reports to the Plant Manager in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on leadership and team-building skills.
• Experience in manufacturing management, fabrication and welding preferred.
• Knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, ARC) and related equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints and use measurement tools such as micrometers and calipers.
• Proficiency with welding software, ERP systems, and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor welders, fabricators, lifting devices, finals, and sandblast teams; set objectives, review performance, and provide feedback.
• Ensure safety policies are followed and participate in safety action planning and issue resolution.
• Coordinate production timelines with other departments and adjust schedules by priority and capacity.
• Create and maintain work instructions; manage fixtures, tooling, and staging to meet schedules.
• Estimate production man hours and record in JIB; ensure accurate documentation.
• Review efficiency reports and drive continuous improvement to boost productivity.
• Inspect and document quality checks on inbound/outbound equipment; ensure compliance.
• Review JIB for accuracy and completeness before forwarding to customer service/Engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Blueprint reading

Forklift operation

Crane operation

Quality systems

Problem solving

ERP proficiency

Tools

Welding software

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

This role requires hands-on leadership that builds credibility and results through organization, mentorship, and clear communication.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management:

• Reports to Plant Manager
• Lead, motivate, and mentor the Welders, Fabricators, Lifting Devices, Finals, and Sandblast teams; set clear performance objectives, conduct performance reviews, verify timecard accuracy, and provide ongoing feedback and training.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, team-oriented work environment that promotes individual growth.
• Coach employees on work methods, discipline, and safety; ensure company policies and safety procedures are consistently followed, with active involvement in safety action planning and prompt resolution of safety concerns.
• Coordinate with other departments to align on production timelines, progress, and any changes in processing methods.
• Collaborate with procurement and supply chain to ensure materials are available for production, and revise schedules as needed based on priorities, capacity, and resource availability.

Operational Management:

• Plan, organize, and prioritize daily operations — including fixtures, tooling, and staging areas — to meet production schedules and targets.
• Development and documentation of work instructions for all operations performed within the department.
• Create a maintenance schedule for all machinery within the department and ensure the schedule is being kept.
• Review Job Information Book (JIB) to ensure completion. If incomplete, consult the Plant Manager.
• Responsible for ensuring dimensional inspections and the physical testing of incoming and outgoing equipment takes place, directly or indirectly and Record information in JIB.
• Coordinate with production, quality assurance, and maintenance to ensure smooth workflow and timely task completion.
• Accurately Identify repair components for reuse, rework or replace and record in JIB. Create requisition for any replacement components.
• Accurately Estimate production man hours to manufacture/re-manufacture equipment and/or components and record in JIB.
• Ensuring operations are completed within estimated time frames. Review efficiency reports to analyze overall performance and create methods for improvements.
• Review all information in JIB to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to submitting to customer service/engineering.

Quality Assurance:

• Establish and enforce fabrication and welding standards, procedures, and best practices — monitoring quality within the department — to ensure consistent quality, reliability, and compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.
• Conduct regular inspections of welded and fabricated components, assemblies, and finished products to identify defects, deviations, or non-conformities, and implement corrective actions to address root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Work closely with quality assurance, engineering, and design teams to resolve fabrication and welding-related issues, implement process improvements, and optimize fabrication and welding quality and integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance fabrication and welding processes, reduce waste, and increase productivity and efficiency.
• Regularly analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies to address areas of underperformance

Training and Development:

• Identify training needs and provide ongoing development opportunities to build technical skills, empower team members, and support career growth.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated hands-on leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to inspire, motivate, and collaborate across cross-functional teams and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Proven experience in a managerial role within a manufacturing industry, with specific experience in fabrication and welding preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of fabrication and welding processes, techniques, equipment, materials, and quality standards, with hands-on experience in fabrication assembly and various welding methods (e.g., MIG, TIG, ARC).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement solutions to optimize welding processes and improve productivity.
• Proficiency in welding software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to read blueprints and use hand measurement tools, including micrometers, bore gages, rules, tapes, hardness testers, and calipers.
• Operates forklift and overhead crane; basic shop math skills.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued.

Join us in making a difference and shaping the future of Winkle Industries!

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the Fabrication Supervisor position and may be modified or expanded as needed to align with the specific requirements of the employer or industry.

Winkle Industries is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds.