Fabrication Manager

Description

The Fabrication Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Fabrication Department, ensuring production goals, customer requirements, quality standards, and delivery schedules are consistently met. This position provides leadership and direction to department employees while coordinating workflow, managing resources, monitoring equipment performance, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

The Fabrication Manager is responsible for maintaining a safe, organized, and productive work environment while ensuring aluminum extrusions are fabricated according to customer specifications and MI Metals' quality standards. This position works closely with other departments to maintain efficient production flow, minimize waste, control costs, and support overall plant performance.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage daily Fabrication Department operations to ensure production schedules, customer requirements, and established performance goals are met.
• Plan, coordinate, and prioritize fabrication work orders based on production schedules, material availability, staffing, and customer delivery requirements.
• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to fabrication employees, including assigning work, monitoring performance, and ensuring accountability.
• Monitor production output, labor utilization, scrap, downtime, and overall department efficiency. Identify issues and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure fabricated aluminum products meet customer specifications, work order requirements, drawings, and established quality standards.
• Oversee fabrication processes and equipment, including cutting, sawing, punching, drilling, machining, and other operations applicable to the department.
• Work with Quality to address product concerns, nonconforming materials, customer complaints, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Extrusion, Anodizing, Paint, Shipping, Maintenance, Quality, and other departments to ensure proper material flow and on-time completion of customer orders.
• Ensure employees are properly trained on equipment, production procedures, work instructions, and quality requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve production methods, reduce scrap, increase efficiency, and minimize manufacturing costs.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to address equipment issues, minimize downtime, and ensure preventive maintenance requirements are completed.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of fabrication supplies, tooling, and other necessary materials. Communicate purchasing needs as required.
• Maintainaccurate production records, reports, and other required departmental documentation.
• Ensure proper housekeeping, organization, and 5S practices are maintained throughout the department.
• Conduct regular department meetings to communicate production expectations, safety concerns, quality issues, and operational updates.
• Address employee performance concerns, attendance issues, and disciplinary matters in coordination with Human Resources and plant leadership.
• Support employee development through coaching, cross-training, and ongoing performance feedback.
• Work alongside department employees when necessary to resolve production challenges, support operations, and prevent interruptions to productivity.
• Participate in plant leadership meetings and contribute to overall manufacturing goals and operational improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of aluminum extrusion fabrication processes and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, production drawings, blueprints, and customer specifications.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple production schedules and deadlines.
• Strong understanding of production efficiency, labor management, quality control, and cost reduction.
• Ability to identify production issues, determine root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, tooling, and preventive maintenance practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, management, and other departments.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and manufacturing or ERP systems.
• Ability to lead, motivate, coach, and hold employees accountable for performance and results.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement practices, including 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.  
• Working knowledge of CAD software/programming and the ability to create, modify, and troubleshoot programs used to operate CNC fabrication machinery.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical training, manufacturing certifications, or an associate degree in manufacturing, industrial technology, or a related field preferred.  
• Previous experience creating and managing CNC machine programs using CAB software.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment.
• Previous supervisory or management experience required, preferably in an aluminum extrusion or metal fabrication operation.
• Experience managing production schedules, employees, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management standards & ISO 14001 environmental management systems preferred.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in a manufacturing plant environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures, and other typical industrial conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move materials and equipment as required.
• Ability to observe production processes, inspect products, and identify potential safety or quality concerns.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, or different shifts as production demands require.

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment by ensuring employees follow all MI Metals safety policies, procedures, and established work practices.
• Ensure employees wear and properly use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with MI Metals' PPE policy.
• Ensure employees receive appropriate safety training and understand the safe operation of equipment and machinery.
• Conduct regular safety observations and address unsafe conditions or behaviors promptly.
• Report workplace injuries, incidents, near misses, and safety concerns in accordance with company procedures.
• Ensure equipment guards, safety devices, and other protective measures are maintained and used properly.
• Support safety initiatives, inspections, and corrective actions to maintain compliance with applicable safety regulations.
• Ensure departmental processes and procedures comply with MI Metals' ISO 9001 Quality Management System & ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and established quality/environmental  requirements.

ATTENDANCE AND RELIABILITY

Regular and dependable attendance is an essential function of this position. The Fabrication Manager is expected to maintain a consistent presence to provide leadership, support daily operations, and ensure production requirements are met. Flexibility in work hours may be necessary to address operational needs and support the department.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as business needs change.

MI Metals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.