Welding & Fabrication Manager

Accelera; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera in Tacoma seeks an experienced Manufacturing Leader to oversee Fabrication, Woodshop, and Powder Coat operations. You will manage daily functions, drive safety, quality, and on-time deliveries while aligning capacity with production backlogs.

You will lead shop personnel, recruit, evaluate performance, develop talent, and control budgets. Proven track record in metal fabrication, welding, machining, and continuous improvement is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years in a manufacturing leadership role, ideally within metal fabrication.
• Deep technical understanding of machining, CNC, cutting, forming, and welding operations.
• Solid grasp of shop safety standards and relevant welding codes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams through effective coaching and HR management.
• Background in managing financial metrics, including capital expenditures and labor efficiency.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP software, with a preference for Fulcrum users.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities to support team success.
• Experience overseeing multiple production workflows in a custom, make-to-order environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily functions and strategic planning for Fabrication, Woodshop, and Powder Coat departments, including machining, welding, assembly, and finishing.
• Supervise shop personnel and leads, handling recruitment, performance evaluations, development, and scheduling.
• Manage operational budgets, materials and labor costs, and control variances to improve the bottom line.
• Create capacity and staffing plans aligned with production backlogs and demand for Fab Shop coverage.
• Lead regular production meetings to resolve equipment, materials, quality, and scheduling issues.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Sales, and HR to ensure seamless production workflows and on-time deliveries.
• Monitor SQDCP metrics to sustain high performance and drive improvements.
• Oversee quality control to maximize first-pass yield and minimize rework or scrap.
• Ensure work adheres to technical drawings, welding specs, and inspection protocols.
• Champion safety culture through training, audits, and OSHA compliance.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance to keep machinery in good condition.
• Maximize daily output and labor productivity to meet production targets.
• Analyze ERP/MRP data to pinpoint bottlenecks and reduce downtime.
• Apply Lean principles (5S, Kaizen) to improve efficiency and organization.
• Evaluate facility and equipment needs to justify capital investments.
• Work with Finance and Estimating to align project margins with realities.
• Present performance reports on safety, quality, and costs to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Metal fabrication

Welding

Machining/CNC

ERP/MRP

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Tools

Fulcrum ERP

Job description

• Oversee the daily functions and strategic planning for the Fabrication, Woodshop, and Powder Coat departments, covering tasks from machining and welding to assembly and finishing.
• Supervise shop personnel and leads by handling recruitment, performance evaluations, professional development, and scheduling.
• Take responsibility for operational budgets, material and labor expenses, and managing cost variances to improve the bottom line.
• Create capacity and staffing strategies that align with production backlogs and demand, ensuring adequate coverage for the Fab Shop.
• Facilitate regular production meetings to address and resolve obstacles related to equipment, materials, quality, and scheduling.
• Collaborate with internal departments like Engineering, Sales, and HR to ensure seamless production workflows and on-time deliveries.
• Track SQDCP metrics to help maintain a high standard of performance and drive necessary operational improvements.
• Manage quality control processes to boost first-pass yield and minimize rework or scrap across all production areas.
• Verify that all work adheres to technical drawings, welding specifications, and established inspection protocols.
• Champion a culture of safety by leading training, conducting audits, and ensuring full compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Coordinate the upkeep of machinery through consistent preventive maintenance programs.
• Maximize daily output and labor productivity to ensure production targets are consistently met.
• Analyze ERP and MRP data to pinpoint production bottlenecks and reduce downtime.
• Apply Lean principles such as 5S and Kaizen to foster a more efficient and organized work environment.
• Evaluate facility and equipment needs to build business cases for future capital investments.
• Work alongside Finance and Estimating teams to ensure that project margins align with operational realities.
• Present regular performance reports regarding safety, quality, and costs to senior leadership.

Core Duties

• Oversee the daily functions and strategic planning for the Fabrication, Woodshop, and Powder Coat departments, covering tasks from machining and welding to assembly and finishing.
• Supervise shop personnel and leads by handling recruitment, performance evaluations, professional development, and scheduling.
• Take responsibility for operational budgets, material and labor expenses, and managing cost variances to improve the bottom line.
• Create capacity and staffing strategies that align with production backlogs and demand, ensuring adequate coverage for the Fab Shop.
• Facilitate regular production meetings to address and resolve obstacles related to equipment, materials, quality, and scheduling.
• Collaborate with internal departments like Engineering, Sales, and HR to ensure seamless production workflows and on-time deliveries.
• Track SQDCP metrics to help maintain a high standard of performance and drive necessary operational improvements.
• Manage quality control processes to boost first-pass yield and minimize rework or scrap across all production areas.
• Verify that all work adheres to technical drawings, welding specifications, and established inspection protocols.
• Champion a culture of safety by leading training, conducting audits, and ensuring full compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Coordinate the upkeep of machinery through consistent preventive maintenance programs.
• Maximize daily output and labor productivity to ensure production targets are consistently met.
• Analyze ERP and MRP data to pinpoint production bottlenecks and reduce downtime.
• Apply Lean principles such as 5S and Kaizen to foster a more efficient and organized work environment.
• Evaluate facility and equipment needs to build business cases for future capital investments.
• Work alongside Finance and Estimating teams to ensure that project margins align with operational realities.
• Present regular performance reports regarding safety, quality, and costs to senior leadership.

Required Background

• Minimum of five years in a manufacturing leadership role, ideally within metal fabrication or related finishing sectors.
• Deep technical understanding of machining, CNC, cutting, forming, and welding operations.
• Solid grasp of shop safety standards and relevant welding codes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams through effective coaching and HR management.
• Background in managing financial metrics, including capital expenditures and labor efficiency.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP software, with a preference for Fulcrum users.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities to support team success.
• Proven capacity to oversee multiple production workflows at once.
• Experience working in a custom, make-to-order fabrication setting.
• Familiarity with woodworking or powder coating finishing techniques.
• Background in continuous improvement methodologies like A3, PDCA, or Standard Work.
• Knowledge of AWS inspection standards or relevant welding certifications.
• Commitment to expanding expertise in Lean manufacturing practices.

Essential Proficiencies

• Leadership and Team Supervision
• Metal Fabrication Expertise
• Welding Processes
• OSHA Compliance Standards