
Operations Manager
Hempstead, TX
Position Summary: Everest Client seeks an Operations Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the fabrication shop, ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, and profitably. This role requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of fabrication/manufacturing processes, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in production, quality, and workforce performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate fabrication activities to meet delivery deadlines and customer requirements.
- Monitor job progress, resource allocation, and workflow efficiency across welding, machining, painting/blasting, and assembly.
- Ensure equipment is properly maintained and downtime is minimized.
- Supervise and mentor shop leads, foremen, and crews.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct performance evaluations and enforce company policies consistently.
- Ensure adherence to drawings, specifications, and quality standards (e.g., ISO, AIS,AWS).
- Implement corrective actions when non-conformances arise.
- Drive process performance and conformity of products and services.
- Track KPIs such as on-time delivery, job margins, labor utilization, and rework percentage.
- Collaborate with estimating and sales to ensure accurate job costing and quoting
- Manage operating budgets and control overhead costs.
- Support sales and project management teams with production updates.
- Oversee material procurement and vendor relationships to minimize delays.
- Handle subcontractor management when outside services are required.
- Apply Lean, PDCA, and other improvement methods to optimize shop layout, workflow, and throughput.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve efficiency.
- Lead safety initiatives and drive training programs for employee development.
- On-time delivery percentage
- Job profitability vs. estimated margins
- Labor utilization and efficiency (man-hours vs. planned hours)
- Scrap/rework rate
- Safety incidents and compliance adherence
- Employee retention and development
Qualifications
- Proven experience (5+ years) in operations or production management within steel fabrication or related manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of welding, machining, cutting, blasting, and coating processes.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and project tracking tools.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications.
- Understanding of budgeting, cost control, and margin management.