Steel Fabrication Operations Manager

Location: Cocoa Beach, FL
Schedule: 1st or 2nd Shift
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: From $40.00 per hour, with higher pay available depending on experience.

We are hiring an experienced Steel Fabrication Operations Manager to lead production activities in a structural steel manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for supervising shop personnel, coordinating production schedules, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently. The ideal candidate has extensive structural steel fabrication experience and a proven ability to lead production teams.

Direct the daily activities of welders, fitters, fabricators, machine operators, material handlers, and other shop personnel.

Plan and coordinate fabrication work to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.

Assign labor, equipment, and materials to maximize productivity throughout the shop.

Monitor fabrication progress and adjust schedules as priorities change.

Coordinate incoming material deliveries and outgoing shipments.

Verify completed work meets fabrication drawings, shop drawings, project specifications, quality requirements, and safety expectations.

Establish and maintain efficient production processes and standard operating procedures.

Monitor quality throughout fabrication and resolve production or workflow issues.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and overall shop performance.

Partner with project management, detailing, estimating, purchasing, and field operations to support project success.

Oversee inventory levels for materials, consumables, tools, and production equipment.

Ensure preventative maintenance is performed on fabrication equipment, welding machines, forklifts, overhead cranes, and other shop equipment.

Maintain professional relationships with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, and customers.

Lead production meetings and communicate project status, workloads, and scheduling updates.

Promote OSHA compliance and reinforce safe work practices throughout the facility.

Assist with employee onboarding, training, performance management, staffing, and workforce planning.

High school diploma or GED required.

Minimum of 7 years of structural steel fabrication experience.

At least 5 years in a supervisor, lead, or management position within a fabrication environment.

Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication, fitting, welding, layout, and material handling operations.

Ability to read and interpret structural steel drawings, fabrication drawings, shop drawings, and project specifications.

Working knowledge of FCAW, GMAW, SMAW, and GTAW welding processes.

Familiarity with AISC fabrication standards and structural steel industry practices.

Experience developing production schedules, manpower plans, and shop workflow.

Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Experience working in an AISC-certified structural steel fabrication facility.

Familiarity with ERP or MRP manufacturing systems.

Experience working with or operating overhead cranes, forklifts, rigging, and other material handling equipment.

Knowledge of AWS welding standards and structural steel quality control practices.

Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.

Team leadership and employee development

Production planning and scheduling

Structural steel fabrication operations

Quality assurance and process improvement

OSHA safety compliance

Problem-solving and decision-making

Communication and collaboration

Organization and time management

Inventory and resource coordination

Adaptability and accountability