Welding Repair and Fabrication Manager

The Welding Repair and Fabrication Shop Manager is responsible for leading and developing an in-house fabrication shop that supports the maintenance and operational needs of the sawmill. This role involves maintaining an organized project list, accurately tracking man-hours and costs for all fabrication projects, and ensuring efficient execution of work. The successful candidate will manage a team of four to five skilled fabricators, with the potential to expand the shop into a limited production capability that may include select external work. The position requires strong leadership, meticulous project tracking, and a commitment to delivering high-quality fabrication solutions that minimize equipment downtime and control costs. Key Responsibilities Maintain and prioritize a comprehensive project list for the fabrication shop, ensuring alignment with sawmill maintenance schedules, production requirements, and safety priorities. Make emergency repairs on equipment and machine centers within the sawmill. Some repairs and projects will need to be completed outside or normal operating hours. Track and report all project-related man-hours, material costs, and overall project expenditures using established systems or software, providing regular updates to senior management. Plan, schedule, and oversee daily fabrication activities, including custom part fabrication, equipment modifications, repairs, and structural steel work as required by the mill. Lead, supervise, and develop a team of four to five fabricators (welder-fitters, machinists, or similar trades), including performance management, training, and skill development. Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the shop, enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols and quality standards. Evaluate opportunities for shop growth, potentially transitioning the operation toward limited production fabrication work for external customers while maintaining primary focus on internal mill support. Collaborate closely with the maintenance department, operations team, and other stakeholders to define project scopes, estimate labor and material requirements, and deliver projects on time and within budget. Implement and maintain accurate record-keeping systems for job costing, time tracking, inventory of shop materials and consumables, and project documentation. Monitor shop productivity, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Ensure proper maintenance and safe operation of all shop equipment, including welders, presses, lathes, and other fabrication tools. Prepare regular reports on project status, man-hour utilization, cost performance, and shop capacity for review by management. Support the development of the shop into a more robust production-oriented facility if directed, including workflow optimization and potential revenue-generating external projects. Qualifications and Requirements Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in metal fabrication, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role within a fabrication shop environment. Strong background in welding, fitting, machining, and general metal fabrication techniques, preferably with exposure to heavy industrial or sawmill equipment repair and modification. Demonstrated experience in project tracking, job costing, man-hour management, and budget control using spreadsheets, ERP systems, or dedicated project management software. Proven ability to lead and develop a small team, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Thorough knowledge of safety standards (OSHA or equivalent) and best practices in a fabrication shop setting. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications. Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, production-driven environment. Willingness and ability to expand the shop's scope to include limited external work as the operation grows. Physical ability to work in a shop environment, including occasional hands-on fabrication when necessary. Education High school diploma or GED required. Post-secondary education in welding technology, industrial technology, manufacturing, or a related field is preferred. Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Educator, journeyman-level credentials, or equivalent supervisory training are highly advantageous. Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and performance-based incentives. We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented leader capable of building and managing an efficient in-house fabrication shop that delivers reliable support to the sawmill while providing a foundation for potential future growth. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter highlighting their experience in fabrication management and project cost tracking. This job description serves as a general outline of duties and qualifications and may be modified as necessary to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

Pay:

$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person