Lead Fabricator / Shop Foreman

About the Role

Metal & Wood Products is seeking an experienced Lead Fabricator / Shop Foreman to support our growing fabrication team. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building high-quality custom architectural metal projects while helping lead daily shop operations.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Production Manager and act as the second-in-command of the fabrication shop. When the Production Manager is unavailable, this individual will take responsibility for shop operations, workflow coordination, quality control, and employee direction.

This is not a desk job. Most of the day will be spent fabricating, fitting, welding, and supporting production while providing leadership to the shop team.

Key Responsibilities

Fabrication & Welding

· Fabricate, fit, assemble, and weld architectural metal products.

· Interpret shop drawings and specifications accurately.

· Produce high-quality work that meets company standards.

· Help solve fabrication challenges and design-detail issues.

· Maintain productivity while completing work safely and efficiently.

Leadership & Shop Coordination

· Provide daily leadership and direction to fabrication staff.

· Assist with assigning work and managing shop priorities.

· Monitor workflow and help jobs move efficiently through production.

· Support and mentor junior fabricators and apprentices.

· Promote a positive, respectful, and accountable team environment.

· Lead by example through strong work ethic, craftsmanship, and professionalism.

Acting Shop Leadership

When the Production Manager is away, the Lead Fabricator / Shop Foreman will:

· Take charge of daily shop operations.

· Coordinate labour and production priorities.

· Communicate with Project Managers about production requirements.

· Address workflow issues and help remove production bottlenecks.

· Keep production deadlines and priorities on track.

· Escalate significant concerns to management when required.

Quality & Safety

· Maintain high standards of workmanship and attention to detail.

· Complete quality checks throughout the fabrication process.

· Ensure safe work practices are consistently followed.

· Support company safety initiatives and housekeeping standards.

· Maintain an organized and efficient work area.

Qualifications

Required Experience

· 7+ years of fabrication experience in a custom metal fabrication environment.

· Extensive MIG and TIG welding experience.

· Strong ability to read and interpret shop drawings.

· Experience fabricating stairs, railings, gates, structural steel, architectural metalwork, and custom projects.

· Proven experience leading crews, teams, or projects.

Technical Skills

· Blueprint and drawing interpretation.

· Layout and fitting.

· Welding proficiency.

· Safe operation of fabrication equipment and machinery.

· Material handling and fabrication planning.

· Quality control and inspection practices.

Leadership Skills

· Strong communication and organizational abilities.

· Ability to motivate and direct production staff.

· Calm and effective decision-making under pressure.

· Ability to balance productivity, quality, and safety.

· Strong practical problem-solving skills.