Production Supervisor

Production (Metal Fabrication) SupervisorPosition OverviewThe Metal Fabrication Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the fabrication shop, ensuring that production targets are met safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. This role requires a strong blend of technical expertise in metalworking (welding, cutting, forming, machining) and proven leadership skills to manage, motivate, and develop a team of skilled tradespeople.

• Key Responsibilities1. Production Planning & ExecutionWorkflow Optimization: Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily shop floor operations to meet delivery deadlines and production quotas.
• Resource Allocation: Assign specific tasks to fabricators, welders, and machine operators based on their skill levels and project requirements.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Review engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models to determine material requirements, fabrication sequences, and tooling needs.
• Inventory Control: Monitor raw material levels (steel, aluminum, hardware) and consumable supplies; coordinate with purchasing to prevent production bottlenecks.
• 2. Quality Assurance & Technical OversightInspection: Conduct regular in-process and final inspections of fabricated parts to ensure strict compliance with engineering specifications and tolerances.
• Defect Reduction: Identify root causes of fabrication errors or weld defects and implement immediate corrective actions.
• Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the preventative maintenance schedules for all shop machinery, including CNC plasma/laser cutters, press brakes, shears, and welding rigs.
• 3. Team Leadership & Personnel ManagementSupervision & Training: Lead, mentor, and train a team of fabricators, welders, and helpers. Conduct performance evaluations and manage shop floor morale.
• Skill Development: Cross-train team members on various fabrication techniques and machinery to create a highly flexible workforce.
• Time & Attendance: Manage shift schedules, track attendance, and approve overtime hours in alignment with budget constraints.
• 4. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)Safety Compliance: Enforce all OSHA and company-specific safety protocols, ensuring the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Hazard Identification: Conduct regular safety audits of the shop floor, maintaining clean, organized workstations (5S methodology).
• Incident Reporting: Investigate and document any near-misses or workplace accidents, implementing preventative measures to ensure they do not reoccur.
• Required Skills & QualificationsExperience: Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory experience in a structural steel or heavy metal fabrication environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick, Flux-Core) and metal forming machinery (press brakes, rollers, saws, CNC machinery).
• Certification (Preferred): AWS (American Welding Society) certified, CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), or formal trade school certification is highly desirable.
• Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent verbal/written communication, and the ability to de-escalate workplace conflict.
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long periods, work in noisy/heated environments, and lift up to 50 lbs if necessary.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for SuccessOn-Time Delivery (OTD): Meeting or exceeding scheduled project completion dates.Scrap & Rework Rate: Keeping material waste and quality-related rework below a designated threshold (e.g., < 2%).Safety Record: Maintaining zero lost-time incidents on the shop floor.Labor Efficiency: Optimizing billable hours against estimated project timelines.