SUBURBAN STEEL SUPPLY
FABRICATION MANAGER
THE PERSON
Are you someone who thrives in a fast-paced fabrication environment and enjoys being where the action is? Do you naturally balance accountability with approachability while building trust with production teams on the shop floor? Are you energized by solving problems, improving processes, and finding ways to help both people and operations perform at a higher level? Do you enjoy bringing structure to chaos while staying flexible enough to adapt to shifting priorities and customer demands? If you are a driven, solution-oriented leader who leads by example, we want to talk to you!
Our ideal Fabrication Manager is:
- A Hands On Leader - You are visible, engaged, and willing to jump in when needed. You lead from the floor, not from behind a desk, and your team respects you because they know you are in it with them.
- A Continuous Improvement Mindset - You are naturally curious and always looking for better ways to operate. Whether it is improving workflow, implementing lean practices, or identifying efficiencies through technology and automation, you are motivated by progress.
- A Strong Communicator and Relationship Builder - You know how to connect with a blue collar workforce while maintaining high expectations. You can have direct conversations, hold people accountable, and still earn trust and buy in from your team.
- A Calm and Decisive Problem Solver - You do not get rattled by changing priorities or urgent requests. You can assess situations quickly, prioritize effectively, and make smart decisions that keep production moving forward.
- A Servant Leader with High Standards - You take pride in supporting your people, customers, and company. You hold yourself accountable first, value safety and organization, and set the tone for the culture and work ethic around you.
Our ideal Fabrication Manager will play a critical role in helping Suburban Steel Supply continue to grow, evolve, and deliver exceptional experiences for customers. This person will help drive operational excellence while creating an environment where accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement thrive. They will bring energy, urgency, and leadership to the fabrication floor each day while helping the team execute at a high level. Most importantly, this individual will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the people, processes, and future success of the organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of the Fabrication Manager role include, but are not limited to:
Operations Leadership & Execution
- Lead daily fabrication operations across structural steel, ornamental steel, material processing, day orders, and production support functions
- Provide leadership, management, and accountability for fabrication leads and support teams
- Lead EOS team meetings while establishing priorities, accountability, and execution plans for the shop
- Develop and execute production plans that align labor, equipment, materials, and schedules to support on time delivery
- Coordinate with detailing, project management, purchasing, logistics, and operations teams to ensure smooth project execution
- Own production flow from receiving through fabrication, adjusting priorities as needed in a fast-paced environment
- Identify and resolve production constraints impacting flow, quality or delivery
Team Leadership & Culture
- Lead by example while creating a positive, accountable, and team-oriented culture throughout the shop
- Maintain an active presence on the fabrication floor to support employees, remove obstacles, and keep operations moving efficiently
- Set high standards for communication, teamwork, professionalism, and performance
- Ensure teams have the information, materials, tools, and equipment needed to execute successfully
- Support employee development through coaching, accountability, and collaboration
Safety, Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Promote a strong culture focused on safety, housekeeping, organization, and operational discipline
- Ensure workmanship and fabrication quality consistently meet company and customer standards
- Partner with Quality Control leadership to reduce rework and improve overall operational performance
- Identify process improvements that increase efficiency, workflow, and scalability across fabrication operations
- Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility
Equipment & Operational Readiness
- Support equipment uptime, preventive maintenance, and overall operational readiness across the shop
- Coordinate maintenance activities related to cranes, tooling, equipment, and processing systems
- Help maintain organized inventory flow, staging areas, and overall shop readiness to maximize productivity
- Ensure material readiness to support fabrication schedules and production priorities
** This is a full-time, in-person position based in Gahanna, OH. **
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 3+ years of leadership experience within a manufacturing, production, or fabrication environment
- Experience leading teams with responsibility for hiring, coaching, employee development, and performance management
- Strong understanding of production scheduling, material flow, and shop operations
- Experience working with ERP systems, production technology, or automation systems
- Experience supporting safety and quality programs within a production environment
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage shifting priorities and drive execution in a fast-paced environment
Preferred
- Experience within structural steel, metal fabrication, or related manufacturing operations
- Welding experience and/or welding certifications
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, or continuous improvement initiatives
- Technical education or training in welding, engineering, manufacturing, or construction management
- Ability to work in an active shop environment, including standing, walking, and lifting materials or equipment up to 50 pounds as needed
Desired
- Bilingual (English / Spanish)
THE COMPANY – SUBURBAN STEEL SUPPLY
Suburban Steel Supply is a trusted and growing leader in the steel and fabrication industry, known for strong customer relationships, operational reliability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As an employee-owned company, Suburban Steel Supply is focused on investing in its people, operations, and future growth while maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented culture.
WHY WORK WITH US?
- Employee Ownership: As part of our ESOP, you directly share in the company’s long-term success and growth.
- Strong Support System: You will work alongside a collaborative leadership team that believes in supporting one another, communicating openly, and helping people succeed.
- Real Impact: This is an opportunity to help shape processes, improve operations, and make a visible impact across the fabrication team and broader organization.
- Continuous Improvement Culture: We are always looking for better ways to operate, grow, and serve our customers.
- Hands On Environment: This is not a sit behind the desk leadership role. You will be part of the action and closely connected to the team each day.
- Stable & Growing Company: Suburban Steel Supply has a strong reputation, loyal customers, and a clear vision for the future.
Core Values:
- Always respectful
- Provide Exceptional Experiences
- Find Ways to Say “Yes”
- Create Value and Get Paid for It
Salary: $90k - $120k base + performance-based bonus, based on qualifications
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- & Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) matching, Paid Holidays, PTO, ESOP eligibility after 1 year of service
If you are a driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced fabrication environment, then apply now!
Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- 1. Please describe your experience managing a fabrication shop or manufacturing operation, including the size of the team, types of equipment, and production environment you have led.
- 2. Can you share an example of a time you improved efficiency, throughput, or workflow in a fabrication or manufacturing setting?
- 3. What experience do you have working with structural steel, plate processing, welding, or other metal fabrication operations? Please include any relevant technical knowledge or certifications.
- 4. Describe your leadership style when managing skilled tradespeople, shop supervisors, and production teams. How do you hold teams accountable while maintaining a positive culture?
- 5. Can you provide an example of how you successfully coordinated across departments to meet customer deadlines or solve operational challenges?
- 6. What are your salary requirements? Please provide a specific number.
Work Location: In person
