Senior Steel Fabrication Manager

Emporium Human Capital; Germiston; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fabrication firm in South Africa is seeking a Senior Fabrication Manager to lead and manage all fabrication activities. The role involves overseeing production quality, safety, and deadlines across multiple projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in steel fabrication and strong leadership skills. This management position requires a trade-tested background in boilermaking or welding and relevant educational qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years experience in fabrication, with at least 5 years in a senior role.
• Trade tested Boilermaker / Fitter / Welder with relevant post-trade experience.
• Proven experience managing fabrication in structural steel, piping, tanks, pressure vessels.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate day-to-day fabrication operations.
• Interpret engineering drawings for accurate fabrication.
• Monitor production timelines and quality control.
• Lead and mentor fabrication teams.

Skills

Technical knowledge of steel fabrication

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to read technical drawings

Knowledge of fabrication standards

Time management abilities

Education

N6, National Diploma, or BTech in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Fabrication tracking software

MS Office

Job description

To lead and manage all fabrication activities within the workshop and site-based environments, ensuring that production targets, quality standards, safety, and project deadlines are met. The Senior Fabrication Manager is responsible for overseeing planning, resource allocation, technical execution, and compliance to industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate the day-to-day fabrication operations across multiple projects.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure accurate fabrication.
• Oversee material planning, cutting lists, and job allocation to fabrication teams.
• Monitor production timelines, productivity, and quality control.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations (SHEQ).
• Lead and mentor a team of supervisors, boilermakers, welders, and general workers.
• Liaise with engineering, procurement, and project management teams to align production with project goals.
• Develop and maintain fabrication schedules and progress reports.
• Implement and improve fabrication processes and techniques to enhance efficiency.
• Manage workshop equipment, tools, maintenance schedules, and overall asset care.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, ASME, or other relevant fabrication standards.
• Conduct regular inspections, audits, and root cause analysis for defects or rework.
• Control consumables, costs, overtime, and budgets within the fabrication department.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong technical knowledge of steel fabrication, welding processes, and heavy structural work.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings and P&IDs.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management abilities.
• Knowledge of fabrication codes and standards (e.g., ASME, AWS, SANS).
• Hands-on and decisive management style, capable of working in high-pressure environments.
• Proficiency in MS Office, fabrication tracking software, and project reporting.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Minimum 10+ years experience in fabrication, with at least 5 years in a senior or managerial role.
• Trade tested Boilermaker / Fitter / Welder with relevant post-trade experience.
• N6, National Diploma, or BTech in Mechanical Engineering (advantageous).
• Proven experience managing fabrication in structural steel, piping, tanks, pressure vessels, or industrial plants.
• Valid drivers license and own transport.