Supervisor - Fabrication | 2nd Shift

Position Summary

The Fabrication Supervisor is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the fabrication shop to ensure a safe, productive, and quality-driven work environment. This role provides direct supervision to fabrication employees while coordinating production schedules, labor resources, equipment utilization, and quality standards to meet customer delivery commitments.

Working closely with the Branch Operations Manager, Customer Service, Warehouse, and other departments, the Fabrication Supervisor drives operational performance through employee development, continuous improvement, safety leadership, and efficient execution of fabrication operations. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, shop floor operations, and production scheduling.

Essential Responsibilities

Production Leadership

• Supervise and coordinate daily fabrication shop operations to meet production schedules, customer requirements, and quality expectations.
• Assign work, establish priorities, and balance labor resources to maximize productivity and equipment utilization.
• Monitor daily production output, labor efficiency, and throughput while driving continuous improvement in shop performance.
• Identify production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve workflow.
• Assist with production planning to ensure customer orders are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Provide hands-on support during periods of increased workload or staffing shortages.

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• Lead, coach, train, and develop fabrication employees to ensure safe work practices and high-quality workmanship.
• Conduct employee training on fabrication processes, equipment operation, SOPs, and company policies.
• Monitor employee performance and provide regular coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Assist the Branch Operations Manager with hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and staffing recommendations.
• Coordinate overtime and staffing levels based on production demands.

Safety & Compliance

• Foster a culture where safety is the highest priority.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and fabrication shop procedures.
• Conduct routine safety observations and address unsafe conditions immediately.
• Ensure housekeeping standards are consistently maintained throughout the fabrication facility.
• Investigate safety incidents and participate in corrective action planning to prevent recurrence.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure fabricated products meet Viking quality standards and customer specifications.
• Monitor fabrication processes to maintain accuracy, consistency, and workmanship.
• Perform routine quality inspections and assist with root cause analysis for quality issues.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions to improve quality performance.
• Support regional and corporate quality initiatives.
• Equipment & Shop Operations
• Monitor equipment performance and coordinate preventive maintenance activities.
• Perform basic equipment setup and troubleshooting while coordinating repairs with maintenance when necessary.
• Ensure fabrication equipment, tooling, and consumables are properly maintained and available.
• Report equipment issues that may impact production or safety.

Operational Excellence

• Track and report key production metrics including productivity, efficiency, labor utilization, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Recommend process improvements that increase safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate daily with Customer Service, Warehouse, and Branch leadership to ensure customer commitments are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support branch operations.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of supervisory or lead experience in a fabrication, manufacturing, metal processing, or industrial production environment.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes, production scheduling, quality control, and shop operations.
• Experience leading production teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coach employees, improve performance, and build effective teams.
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards and manufacturing best practices.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and production-related software systems.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in industrial pipe fabrication, steel fabrication, welding operations, or industrial distribution.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Welding Certification or ability to obtain certification

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing and fabrication environment.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift, push, pull, or move materials up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and other material handling equipment (training provided if necessary).
• Ability to wear required PPE and work around moving equipment, machinery, and fabrication processes.