Fabrication Operations Manager

Confidential Employer | Commercial Construction & Metal Fabrication

Location: San Diego County, CA (On-site) Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Compensation: $100,000–$150,000 per year (DOE), plus benefits and performance-based bonus opportunities

Position Overview

An established commercial construction and metal fabrication company is seeking an experienced Fabrication Operations Manager to oversee daily shop operations, production scheduling, quality control, and cost management.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with extensive experience in architectural sheet metal fabrication, strong technical knowledge, and a proven ability to manage production teams while maintaining project schedules and budgets.

This position plays a critical role in coordinating fabrication activities with estimating, project management, and field operations to ensure operational efficiency, quality, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

• Lead, schedule, develop, and evaluate a team of skilled fabrication professionals.
• Oversee the fabrication of architectural metal products, including wall panels, flashing, coping, gutters, trim, standing seam components, and custom brake shapes.
• Develop and optimize production schedules to meet project deadlines and improve shop efficiency.
• Ensure finished products meet approved blueprints, shop drawings, submittals, and project specifications.
• Collaborate with estimating, project management, and field operations to coordinate fabrication requirements and production priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, minimize material waste, and maximize productivity.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Review project estimates, material takeoffs, labor targets, and production requirements.
• Track labor hours, production progress, and material usage against job budgets.
• Monitor labor cost-to-complete and material variances, implementing corrective actions to prevent cost overruns.
• Manage material inventory, purchasing, and supplier coordination.
• Implement process improvements and lean manufacturing practices to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Leadership, Safety & Equipment Management

• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, established safety procedures, and proper equipment operation.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs for shop equipment, including CNC brakes, folders, shears, roll-formers, and plasma cutters.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive fabrication environment.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• 5–7 years of sheet metal fabrication experience, including at least 3 years specifically working with architectural sheet metal systems.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory or management experience in a fabrication shop, manufacturing facility, or comparable production environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing shop budgets, labor cost-to-complete, material variances, and production costs.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural blueprints, structural drawings, shop drawings, and CAD submittals.
• Extensive knowledge of architectural sheet metal systems and the relationship between shop fabrication and field installation.
• Advanced knowledge of CNC folders, brakes, shears, roll-forming equipment, and production scheduling.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a sheet metal apprenticeship or trade school program.
• Degree in Construction Management or a related field.
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• $100,000–$150,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays

Apply Today

We are seeking an experienced fabrication leader who is passionate about developing employees, improving operational efficiency, managing production costs, and delivering exceptional results.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through Indeed.

All applications will be handled confidentially.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Briefly describe your experience managing shop budgets, tracking labor cost-to-complete, and monitoring material variances.
• What experience do you have reading and interpreting architectural blueprints, structural drawings, shop drawings, and CAD submittals?
• What types of sheet metal fabrication equipment have you operated or supervised, including CNC brakes, folders, shears, and roll-formers?

Experience:

• sheet metal fabrication: 5 years (Preferred)
• supervisor or management: 3 years (Preferred)
• Budgeting: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person