Fabrication Production Manager

Operations Manager

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational performance of The Steel Erection Company, including shop fabrication, field erection activities, manpower coordination, equipment management, and project execution support.

This role ensures that all projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project schedules, contract requirements, and company standards.

The Operations Manager acts as the central coordination point between project management, shop fabrication, and field crews to ensure that structural steel projects move smoothly from engineering and detailing through fabrication, delivery, erection, and final completion.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shop Fabrication Oversight

Oversee daily fabrication operations to ensure production meets project schedules.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with shop foreman and lead welders
• Monitor fabrication progress against project schedules
• Ensure fabrication drawings are being followed correctly
• Verify material availability and fabrication sequencing
• Address production delays or bottlenecks

Ensure compliance with:

• AWS welding standards
• Shop quality control procedures
• Fabrication tolerances per LA City requirements

2. Field Erection Coordination

Oversee structural steel erection operations and field manpower allocation.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with field foremen and superintendents
• Schedule erection crews according to project timelines
• Ensure proper crane scheduling and equipment logistics
• Monitor erection progress and productivity
• Resolve field conflicts with general contractors and site teams

Ensure all field work complies with:

• OSHA safety standards
• Project erection plans
• Rigging and lifting procedures

3. Project Execution Support

Work closely with Project Managers to ensure operational execution aligns with contract scope and schedule.

Responsibilities include:

• Review project kickoff requirements
• Coordinate fabrication start dates
• Align shop output with erection schedules
• Track steel deliveries and site readiness
• Address operational issues impacting project progress

Assist with:

• Change order logistics
• Field manpower adjustments
• Schedule recovery strategies when delays occur

4. Manpower Management

Coordinate staffing levels across shop and field operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Assign welders, ironworkers, and erection crews to projects
• Balance shop workload and field demand
• Identify additional labor needs or subcontractors
• Manage crew productivity expectations

5. Equipment & Asset Management

Oversee company equipment used in fabrication and erection operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Track company trucks, trailers, and welding machines
• Coordinate crane rentals and specialty equipment
• Schedule maintenance for critical equipment
• Ensure proper equipment allocation to projects

6. Safety & Compliance

Promote and enforce a strong safety culture across all operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct safety meetings with shop and field personnel
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards
• Monitor proper PPE usage
• Address safety concerns immediately

Work with management to maintain strong safety records.

7. Operational Reporting

Provide regular operational updates to ownership.

Reports may include:

• Fabrication progress reports
• Field productivity updates
• Labor utilization
• Equipment status
• Operational risks or schedule concerns

Required Experience

Minimum 7-10 years experience in structural steel fabrication and/or erection

Experience managing shop fabrication and field erection crews

Strong knowledge of AISC structural steel practices and familiar with LA City fab shop requirements

Familiarity with AWS welding standards

Experience coordinating with general contractors and project managers

Required Skills

Strong leadership and crew management abilities

Ability to read structural steel drawings and erection plans

Excellent problem-solving in fast-paced construction environments

Strong communication with field and shop teams

Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously