Lead Fabricator / Shop Foreman

About the Role

We are 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

• 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.