The Welding Operations Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing all welding-related activities across fabrication shops and project sites, primarily within power plants, refineries, or heavy industrial settings. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and code-compliant execution of welding operations for pressure parts, structural components, and piping systems. The manager leads welding teams, enforces quality standards (ASME, AWS, API), supports certification processes, and drives improvements in productivity and weld integrity.
Supervise day-to-day welding activities across shop and field operations.
Ensure welding is performed in accordance with approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and qualified welder performance.
Coordinate welding sequences, heat input control, preheat/post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), and distortion mitigation.
Plan manpower, welding equipment, consumables, and logistics in alignment with project schedules.
Work closely with project teams, fabrication managers, and site engineers to prioritize welding tasks.
Monitor production KPIs such as weld inches/day, repair rates, and welder utilization.
Ensure adherence to applicable codes and standards: ASME Section I/VIII/IX, AWS D1.1, API 1104, ISO 3834.
Support QA/QC teams with weld maps, traceability, NDT scheduling, and inspection documentation.
Manage weld logs, WPS/PQR/WPQ records, and maintain welder continuity logs.
Enforce welding safety protocols, including arc flash protection, fume extraction, and fire prevention.
Conduct safety inspections, risk assessments, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Ensure all operations comply with HSE regulations and internal safety procedures.
Lead and mentor welding foremen, supervisors, and welders across multiple disciplines (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW).
Identify and develop training plans for upskilling welders and certifying them as per project requirements.
Liaise with third-party agencies and classification bodies for welder certifications.
Implement best practices to reduce weld rework and improve first-pass yield.
Evaluate and adopt advanced welding techniques and automation where applicable.
Support digital weld tracking systems and ERP integration.
Leadership and coordination of welding operations (shop & site)
Code compliance and quality control (ASME, AWS, API)
Welder performance, productivity, and qualification
Safety management and risk mitigation in welding zones
Continuous improvement in weld quality and efficiency
Education:
Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Welding Technology, or Metallurgy
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), CSWIP, or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
10–15 years of welding operations experience in power plants, refineries, or heavy fabrication projects
Proven track record in managing welding across pressure parts, structural steel, and process piping
Knowledge of WPS/PQR development, NDT coordination, and weld traceability systems
Skills:
Strong leadership and team coordination capabilities
Excellent understanding of welding metallurgy and defect analysis
Familiarity with welding documentation systems, ERP, and project tracking tools
Good communication and technical reporting skills