Fabrication Shop Manager

Fabrication Shop Manager

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

The Fabrication Shop Manager oversees the daily operations, production planning, workforce management, quality control, and safety performance of the mechanical fabrication shop. This role is responsible for ensuring the efficient fabrication of HVAC ductwork, piping systems, plumbing assemblies, skids, and related mechanical components in support of field construction operations. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on operational leader with strong fabrication knowledge, production management experience, and the ability to lead teams in a fast‑paced mechanical contracting environment.

• Lead and oversee all day-to-day fabrication shop operations.
• Manage production schedules to support project timelines and field installation needs.
• Coordinate labor, equipment, materials, and workflow to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Monitor fabrication output, labor utilization, and production performance metrics.
• Ensure fabrication activities are completed safely, accurately, on schedule, and within budget.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Field Leadership, and Operations teams to prioritize shop workload and project demands.

• Supervise shop personnel including welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal fabricators, machine operators, and shop support staff.
• Conduct hiring, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, and performance management for shop employees.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Develop employee skills through training, mentoring, and cross-functional development.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels to support operational demands.

• Ensure all fabricated materials meet company standards, project specifications, and quality requirements.
• Implement and maintain shop quality control procedures and inspection processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve production flow, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.
• Monitor rework, scrap, and production errors and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to fabrication methods, equipment utilization, and shop organization.

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and shop safety procedures.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, inspections, and hazard assessments.
• Ensure employees are properly trained on equipment operation, PPE requirements, and safe work practices.
• Maintain compliance with environmental, welding, and fabrication regulations and standards.

• Oversee shop inventory levels for raw materials, consumables, and fabrication supplies.
• Coordinate purchasing and material deliveries with procurement and project teams.
• Ensure fabrication equipment, machinery, tools, and vehicles are maintained and operational.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs and coordinate equipment repairs as needed.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient fabrication facility.

• Work closely with Estimating, Engineering, BIM/VDC, Project Management, and Field Operations teams to support project execution.
• Participate in project planning and turnover meetings to align fabrication schedules with field needs.
• Communicate production updates, challenges, and staffing needs to leadership.
• Support prefabrication and modular construction initiatives to improve field productivity and project outcomes.

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical fabrication, sheet metal, piping, plumbing, or industrial fabrication operations.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a fabrication shop or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of HVAC duct fabrication, piping…