Shop Supervisor
El Centro, CA
Position Summary
The Shop Supervisor oversees the daily operations of the fabrication shop to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with production schedules, quality standards, and company expectations. This position provides direct supervisory and support to fabrication personnel, coordinates workflow, monitors productivity, and assists in meeting customer and project delivery requirements.
The Shop Supervisor serves as a key liaison between shop employees, management, engineering, project management, and other departments to support the successful execution of fabrication operations while promoting safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate daily activities of welders, fitters, machine operators, material handlers, and other assigned personnel.
- Assign work, establish priorities, and monitor progress to support production schedules and operational objectives.
- Ensure work is performed in accordance with shop drawings, specifications, quality requirements, and company standards.
- Communicate production goals, schedule changes, and operational priorities to shop personnel.
- Monitor labor utilization, productivity, and workflow to maximize shop efficiency.
- Assist in identifying and resolving fabrication, production, equipment, and workflow issues.
- Coordinate with engineering, project management, purchasing, and operations personnel to support production needs.
- Verify materials, equipment, consumables, and tools are available to support scheduled work.
- Review fabrication activities to confirm adherence to applicable quality requirements and project specifications.
- Track production progress, labor hours, schedule performance, and other operational metrics.
- Support inventory control, material management, and housekeeping initiatives.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and productive work environment.
- Provide routine updates to management regarding production status, workforce needs, operational challenges, and resource requirements.
- Support continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, efficiency, and overall shop performance.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support business operations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises welders, fitters, machine operators, and other assigned fabrication personnel.
- Provides day-to-day direction, coaching, and support to employees.
- Assists with employee training and development.
- Participates in performance management processes in coordination with management and Human Resources.
- Supports workforce planning and staffing needs.
- Reinforces adherence to company policies, procedures, and workplace expectations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Safety Responsibilities
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance throughout the shop.
- Ensure employees utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow established safety procedures.
- Conduct routine safety observations, inspections, and shop walkthroughs.
- Participate in safety meetings and support ongoing safety training initiatives.
- Identify, communicate, and address workplace hazards promptly.
- Support incident reporting and corrective action processes as required.
- Maintain compliance with applicable company safety policies and regulatory requirements.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a fabrication, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
- Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
- Strong understanding of fabrication processes, welding operations, blueprint reading, and shop workflow.
- Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, specifications, and production schedules.
- Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in structural steel fabrication and miscellaneous metals fabrication.
- Working knowledge of AWS, AISC, and related industry standards.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
- Experience with ERP, MRP, production tracking, or fabrication management software.
- Experience operating or supervising operations involving forklifts, overhead cranes, and rigging equipment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a fabrication shop environment with exposure to noise, dust, fumes, moving machinery, and varying temperatures.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, and move throughout the facility.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to safely access all operational areas of the facility, including elevated work areas, stairways, ladders, and outdoor workspaces.
- Ability to wear and utilize required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, gloves, and steel-toe footwear.
- Ability to visually observe work areas, equipment, and fabricated products for operational and quality purposes.
- Ability to effectively communicate with employees, management, vendors, and customers as needed.
- Ability to perform both office-based and shop-floor responsibilities throughout the workday.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily in a fabrication and manufacturing environment.
- Frequent exposure to industrial equipment, welding operations, material handling activities, and production processes.
- Regular movement between office and shop-floor environments.
- May require overtime, weekend work, or modified schedules based on operational demands and production requirements.
- Compliance with all company policies, procedures, safety rules, and PPE requirements is required.
- Ability to work in extreme heat or cold weather conditions.
Safety-Sensitive Position
This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position. The role requires regular work in and supervision of an active fabrication environment involving heavy machinery, welding operations, material handling equipment, forklifts, overhead cranes, and other industrial equipment where attention to safety is essential. Employees in this position are expected to perform their duties in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with all applicable company policies, procedures, and operational requirements.
Performance Expectations
Success in this role includes:
- Maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
- Supporting on-time completion of production schedules.
- Promoting quality workmanship and minimizing rework.
- Maintaining effective workforce communication and accountability.
- Supporting employee development and engagement.
- Contributing to operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and overall shop performance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.