The Welding and Assembly Shop Manager oversees the daily operations of the welding and assembly shop focused on fabricating sanitary process equipment and components for food and beverage manufacturing. This role is responsible for managing production schedules, quality control, workforce supervision, and ensuring adherence to safety and sanitary standards. The manager drives continuous improvement in fabrication processes, team performance, and equipment reliability to support production goals.
Plan, coordinate, and supervise all welding and assembly activities to meet production targets and delivery schedules.
Manage workflow, job prioritization, and resource allocation within the shop.
Ensure fabrication processes comply with sanitary design requirements and food safety standards.
Lead, mentor, and develop a skilled team of welders, fabricators, assemblers, and inspectors.
Implement training programs focused on welding techniques, sanitary practices, and safety protocols.
Foster a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
Enforce strict quality control measures to ensure welds and assemblies meet design specifications and regulatory standards (3-A, FDA, USDA).
Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify defects and implement corrective actions.
Maintain documentation and traceability records for all fabrication activities.
Promote a safe work environment by enforcing OSHA and company safety policies.
Oversee maintenance and calibration of welding and assembly equipment.
Lead safety training and incident investigations.
Identify opportunities to optimize welding and assembly processes, reduce waste, and improve productivity.
Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on process enhancements and new equipment integration.
Welding and assembly operations management
Sanitary fabrication quality and compliance
Team supervision and skills development
Workplace safety and equipment maintenance
Process improvement and operational efficiency
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Welding Technology, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred
AWS Certified Welder or Welding Inspector preferred
OSHA safety certifications advantageous
7+ years experience in welding and assembly fabrication, preferably in food & beverage or sanitary process equipment manufacturing
Proven supervisory or management experience leading fabrication shop teams
Strong knowledge of welding techniques, materials, and sanitary fabrication standards
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Strong problem-solving and quality control expertise
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Familiarity with safety regulations and shop floor best practices