Workshop Manager - Steel Fabrication

Job Purpose

The Workshop Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating and overseeing all workshop activities to ensure projects are delivered on time, to the required standard and with efficient use of labour and materials. The role manages production scheduling, quality control, staff supervision, safety and workflow improvements while maintaining clear communication with customers and supporting continuous improvement across the workshop.

Key Responsibilities

• Review new project orders, confirm project scope, identify missing information and highlight opportunities to improve outcomes.
• Plan workshop activities and schedule jobs to meet customer requirements while maintaining a steady backlog of work ready to commence.
• Manage materials, consumables and outsourced services, ensuring all items are shop ready before work begins.
• Oversee project changes and variations, ensuring additional work is documented and charged correctly.
• Ensure all work meets required quality standards before leaving the workshop and address any issues that lead to rework.
• Maintain clear communication with customers, particularly when project timelines or project details change.
• Lead and support workshop staff, conduct weekly safety and continuous improvement meetings and maintain OH&S standards.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, filing, scheduling boards and tracking systems for jobs, variations and supply-only work.
• Drive lean manufacturing practices and implement approved efficiency improvements across the workshop.
• Provide feedback on workshop systems and processes, ensuring they reflect day-to-day practices and support efficient project delivery.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Trade qualification in fabrication, mechanical fitting or a related field.
• Strong practical understanding of workshop operations, stainless steel fabrication, materials, tools and fabrication processes.
• Experience planning and coordinating multiple jobs within a workshop or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, sketches and job documentation.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and manage competing deadlines.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and support workshop staff.
• Commitment to maintaining safe work practices and OH&S compliance.
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and contribute to continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices.
• Competence in managing project variations, tracking job progress and maintaining accurate records.