Fabrication Leader

The Fabrication Leader is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and performance of local fabrication operations to ensure high-quality parts are produced and delivered on time to support manufacturing and customer requirements. This role has responsibility for fabrication operations, facilities maintenance, safety, staffing, training, and talent development.

The Fabrication Leader provides insightful leadership by encouraging team members to discover, develop, and apply their talents to reach their full potential. This role actively engages in the organization’s Lean / World Class Manufacturing journey, driving continuous improvement, capability development, and operational excellence in alignment with the BW Way.

• Establish clear goals and objectives across all areas of fabrication responsibility.
• Partner with site leadership to define optimal strategy, organizational structure, and a purposeful people plan aligned with site step-change goals.
• Monitor, measure, and communicate performance against established goals and objectives.
• Effectively lead, motivate, coach, and mentor the fabrication team to achieve quantity, quality, safety, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Forecast labor utilization and absorption to support operational planning and cost control.

• Act as a key contributor and driver of site safety outcomes.
• Lead site safety initiatives and ensure compliance to promote a strong safety culture.
• Ensure environmental and regulatory compliance related to facilities and fabrication operations.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant work environment across all fabrication areas.

• Promote, support, and facilitate the L3 / World Class Manufacturing journey.
• Formulate, recommend, and implement production policies to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and cost standards.
• Lead SMED initiatives to sustain and improve CNC machining standards and changeover efficiency.
• Implement and maintain systems to accurately track raw material inventory.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to improve throughput, lead time, cost, and quality.

• Act as a liaison across functional areas and value streams to improve information flow and operational efficiency.
• Provide input and feedback into master scheduling to support customer delivery requirements.
• Collaborate across multiple geographic sites and functional teams to identify opportunities for additional machining capacity.
• Partner with the Aftermarket Director to ensure departments work in concert to share information, resources, and capacity.
• Partner with Supply Chain leadership to improve lead times, reduce inventory, and lower overall cost.

• Develop proposals and business cases to justify capital investments in equipment and facilities.
• Approve purchases required to maintain production, machinery, and facilities within established budget guidelines.
• Ensure effective utilization and maintenance of machining equipment and facilities.
• Responsible for facilities maintenance planning and execution.

• Bachelor’s degree, professional qualification, or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 5 +  years of leadership experience, preferably in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Previous experience in fabrication or machine shop operations.
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing concepts and tools.
• Inventory management and material requirements planning experience.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and scheduling skills.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and Mapics/Paperless or similar ERP systems.
• Thorough understanding of machining processes, equipment technology, shop procedures, and the ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Proven track record of meeting production goals, maintaining high quality standards, and achieving key performance metrics such as on-time delivery, accuracy, quality, and inventory control.

• Experience in the packaging industry.
• Previous leadership experience leading a large, cross-functional team.
• APICS or other relevant professional certifications.

• Ability to plan, manage, and communicate workflow and job performance using multiple tools, including electronic systems, visual boards, and reports.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to lead meetings and present effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all departments and organizational levels.
• Ability to perform effectively under tight deadlines and high-stress situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to develop creative and effective solutions.