Shop Operations Leader — Fabrication, Scheduling & Lean

South Western Communications, Inc.; Caledonia (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Koch Finishing Systems in Caledonia, MI is seeking an Operations Manager to lead our job shop, owning project scheduling, budgets, and day-to-day execution from kickoff to delivery. This hands-on role requires strong leadership, safety focus, and a drive to optimize throughput across multiple active projects.

You will supervise the Manufacturing Manager, Leads, and Production Planner, review drawings, manage materials, and partner with Engineering to resolve fabrication issues while championing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in fabrication or manufacturing operations, ideally within a job-shop or project-based environment.
• Proven experience leading supervisors and cross-functional teams; experience overseeing production planning or materials/procurement is a plus.
• Working knowledge of metal fabrication processes and the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Strong budgeting, scheduling, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Own project scheduling and execution across fabrication projects, balancing customer commitments, capacity, and cost.
• Lead, coach, and manage performance of the manufacturing team including the Manufacturing Manager, Leads, and Production Planner.
• Oversee review of engineering drawings and the ordering of steel and other raw materials to keep every project on schedule.
• Develop and manage the shop's labor and material budgets, including forecasting and cost control.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company policy.
• Partner with Engineering to resolve fabrication issues, drawing discrepancies, and constructability questions.
• Drive continuous improvement in shop processes, tooling, layout, and equipment utilization.
• Keep the General Manager and other stakeholders informed on project schedules, status, risks, and issues.
• Manage Manufacturing capacity and planning activities.
• Lead weekly shipping schedule meetings and proactively communicate delays to project managers.
• Sustain welding compliance with all applicable AWS codes.
• Champion ERP system, ensuring accuracy and completeness in all transactions.
• Manage Inventory levels and cycle counting practices, driving Lean initiatives.

Skills

Scheduling

Budgeting

Leadership

Reading drawings

Organizational skills

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing or related field

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Koch Finishing Systems in Caledonia, MI is seeking an Operations Manager to lead our job shop, owning project scheduling, budgets, and day-to-day execution from kickoff to delivery. This hands-on role requires strong leadership, safety focus, and a drive to optimize throughput across multiple active projects.

You will supervise the Manufacturing Manager, Leads, and Production Planner, review drawings, manage materials, and partner with Engineering to resolve fabrication issues while championing