The Senior Mechanical Shop Supervisor provides strategic leadership and oversight of the mechanical fabrication and maintenance shop. This role is accountable for maximizing shop productivity, driving continuous improvement in processes and quality, enforcing safety and compliance standards, and managing large-scale repair and fabrication projects. The Senior Supervisor mentors shop leadership, aligns shop capabilities with plant objectives, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support operational excellence.
Strategic Shop Management
Define and implement the shop’s long-term strategy, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet production and maintenance goals.
Develop multi-year capital plans for shop equipment upgrades and tool investments.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and evaluate a cross-functional team of supervisors, technicians, welders, machinists, and apprentices (15–25+ personnel).
Establish competency models, career paths, and succession plans; champion advanced skills training (e.g., CNC programming, robotic welding, metallurgy fundamentals).
Quality & Process Excellence
Oversee the implementation of rigorous quality management systems (ISO 9001) including first-piece inspections, weld certification audits, and non-conformance controls.
Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives—5S, Value Stream Mapping, SMED—to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and optimize shop layout.
Major Fabrication & Repair Projects
Plan and execute large-scale fabrication and overhaul projects, coordinating with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering for scope, scheduling, and technical requirements.
Manage third-party contractors and ensure adherence to project specifications, timelines, and budgets.
Equipment Reliability & Maintenance
Ensure all shop machinery (CNC centers, press brakes, welding cells, overhead cranes) are serviced under preventive maintenance programs; coordinate repairs and calibrations.
Monitor equipment performance KPIs and lead efforts to minimize downtime.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
Champion shop safety culture—enforce LOTO, confined-space entry, PPE standards, and emergency preparedness drills.
Lead incident investigations, risk assessments (HAZOP for shop processes), and root-cause analyses; implement preventive measures.
Budget & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the shop’s OPEX and CAPEX budgets; analyze cost trends and identify opportunities for cost savings.
Negotiate contracts with tooling, spare parts, and service vendors; oversee vendor performance and quality.
Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
Prepare executive-level dashboards on shop performance—throughput, quality yield, safety metrics, and financials.
Serve as the primary liaison with Plant Leadership, Engineering, Procurement, and External Customers for shop capabilities and project status.
Shop Capacity Planning & Resource Optimization
Advanced Fabrication Quality Systems & Certification
Lean Process Implementation & Continuous Improvement
Leadership of Major Overhaul & Custom Fabrication Projects
Equipment Reliability & Preventive Maintenance Governance
Safety Culture, Risk Mitigation & Regulatory Compliance
Budget Management, Cost Control & Vendor Partnerships
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field; advanced certifications (CWI, Lean Six Sigma) preferred.
10+ years of fabrication shop experience, with at least 5 years in supervisory or managerial roles.
Proven track record leading high-volume, complex mechanical fabrication and repair operations.
Strategic leadership and cross-functional collaboration
Expertise in welding processes, machining operations, and shop equipment
Proficiency with ERP/CMMS systems and Shop Floor Management software
Strong financial acumen for budgeting and cost analysis
Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills