ESA Fabrication proudly produces Made in the USA innovative solutions designed to streamline job site workflows, enhance workplace safety, and reduce costs. As a leading manufacturer of material handling products in the construction industry, we are committed to versatility and excellence, embracing a "can do" attitude in every aspect of our business.
Our mission is to provide cutting-edge, reliable products that meet the demands of modern construction, helping professionals achieve greater efficiency and safety on-site. Whether it's solving complex material handling challenges or developing tools that save time and resources, ESA Fabrication is dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and performance.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a hands-on Production & Operations Manager to lead our fabrication operations through a critical growth phase. This role is responsible for stabilizing daily production while building the systems, processes, and structure required to scale efficiently.
This is not a maintenance role—this is a transformation role.
You will lead scheduling, workflow, quality, and shop performance across cutting, machining, welding, and outsourced finishing processes.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Production Execution & Throughput
- Own daily shop floor operations across all fabrication processes
- Improve scheduling and workflow to reduce lead times (target: cut current lead times by 30–50%)
- Balance workload between custom jobs and standard production
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks (especially laser outsourcing and welding queues)
2. Process Development & Standardization
- Implement standardized work instructions and routing structures
- Introduce basic production control systems (visual management, job tracking, WIP control)
- Establish repeatable processes for both custom and standard products
- Develop capacity planning models
3. Quality System Implementation
- Build and implement a practical, right-sized quality management system
- Establish inspection checkpoints and documentation
- Reduce rework and defects through process control (not just inspection)
- Create accountability for quality at the operator level
4. Planning, Scheduling & Systems
- Replace spreadsheet-driven planning with structured production control methods
- Partner in evaluating and improving ERP/MES capabilities
- Improve job costing accuracy and production visibility
- Implement KPI tracking (on-time delivery, throughput, scrap, labor efficiency)
5. Vendor & Outsourcing Management
- Manage and optimize outsourced laser cutting and powder coating vendors
- Evaluate insourcing opportunities (cost vs. throughput vs. control)
- Improve turnaround times and reliability of external processes
6. Team Leadership
- Lead and develop shop personnel (fabricators, welders, machinists)
- Establish accountability, expectations, and performance standards
- Build a culture of ownership, quality, and continuous improvement
Required Qualifications:
- 5–10+ years in metal fabrication, job shop, or mixed-mode manufacturing
- Proven experience managing high-mix, low-volume production environments
- Strong understanding of:
- Welding and fabrication processes
- Sheet metal and structural fabrication workflows
- Shop scheduling and bottleneck management
- Demonstrated success improving throughput, lead time, or shop efficiency
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing or similar operational frameworks
- Experience introducing or improving ERP/MES systems
- Background in both custom fabrication AND product-based manufacturing
- Familiarity with outsourced process coordination (e.g., coating, cutting)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What interests you about this position at ESA Fabrication and why are you the right candidate?
Education:
Experience:
- Metal Manufacturing: 5 years (Required)
- ERP systems: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
