JOB TITLE: Shop Manager
DEPARTMENT: Fabrication
EXEMPT: Exempt
REPORTS TO: SVP of Operations
DATE: May 2026
LOCATION: Sterling, VA
SUMMARY:
Extreme Steel is a growing structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication company seeking an experienced and hands-on Shop Manager to lead daily fabrication operations and drive production performance across the shop floor. The Shop Manager will be responsible for overseeing fabrication workflows, workforce coordination, production scheduling, quality control, and operational efficiency to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and to company standards.
This role serves as a key operational leader within the organization, working closely with Project Management, Purchasing, Detailing, and Field Operations to align fabrication output with project schedules and customer requirements. The Shop Manager will play a critical role in maintaining productivity, improving shop processes, and developing a strong safety-focused culture within the fabrication environment.
The ideal candidate is a strong floor leader who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, understands structural steel fabrication operations, and can balance leadership, execution, and accountability.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead and oversee daily shop operations including fabrication, welding, fitting, material handling, and production scheduling
- Manage fabrication workflows to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule
- Coordinate closely with Project Management, Purchasing, and Detailing teams to align shop priorities with project deadlines
- Manage shop personnel, assign work, and monitor labor productivity across fabrication operations
- Drive accountability for safety, quality, housekeeping, and operational performance throughout the shop
- Ensure all fabrication activities comply with company quality standards, drawings, specifications, and customer requirements
- Monitor shop schedules, manpower allocation, equipment utilization, and material flow to maximize efficiency
- Identify production bottlenecks, operational inefficiencies, or scheduling conflicts and implement solutions proactively
- Own workforce planning, hiring, training, and development of fabrication personnel
- Lead and mentor shop supervisors, foremen, welders, fitters, and production staff
- Coordinate with Field Operations and logistics teams to support shipment schedules and jobsite deliveries
- Participate in production meetings and provide updates on fabrication progress, labor performance, and operational risks
- Assist in developing and improving fabrication processes, shop controls, and production reporting
- Monitor and control shop labor hours and operational costs to support profitability goals
- Ensure proper maintenance and safe operation of shop equipment and machinery
- Reinforce and maintain a strong safety-focused culture across all shop operations
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to fabrication efficiency, throughput, and quality
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- 10+ years of experience in structural steel fabrication, manufacturing, or industrial production environments
- Proven experience managing fabrication shop operations and production teams
- Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication processes, welding, fitting, and shop workflows
- Experience coordinating fabrication schedules with project-driven construction operations
- Strong leadership and workforce management capabilities in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, shop drawings, and construction documents
- Experience managing labor productivity, production schedules, and operational performance metrics
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills
- Experience working with Project Managers, Detailers, and Field Operations teams
- Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence
- Proficiency with ERP systems, production tracking tools, and Microsoft Office preferred
- Ability to thrive in a deadline-driven, high-volume fabrication environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands, handle/feel objects, tools, or controls.
· The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.
· The employee must occasionally push, pull, or lift from below the waist, or lift from an overhead position and carry 5-75 pounds.
· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Intermittent interaction with clients and suppliers. This role routinely uses standard office equipment and requires professional use of company provided equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a both an office environment and on or near the shop floor or active construction job sites where there may be moving mechanical parts with occasional exposure to the risk of electrical shock, outdoor weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally high.
TRAVEL:
· Occasional travel may be required.
Pay: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Structural steel fabrication: 10 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
