Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Metal Manager

💰 $95,000 - $135,000

ManufacturingOperations ManagementIndustrial ProductionMetal Fabrication

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for operational excellence in the metal industry? This role requires a hands-on Metal Manager to direct and coordinate the entire scope of our metal processing and fabrication operations. In this role, you will be the driving force behind our production floor, responsible for everything from daily workflow and team leadership to long-term process improvement and strategic planning. You will ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality, are delivered on time, and are produced in the safest, most efficient manner possible. This is a critical leadership position where your expertise will directly impact our company's growth, profitability, and reputation as an industry leader.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Supervisor (Metal Fabrication)
  • Lead Fabricator or Master Welder
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Operations Team Lead

Advancement To:

  • Plant Manager
  • Director of Operations
  • General Manager
  • VP of Manufacturing

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Supply Chain & Logistics Manager
  • Continuous Improvement Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee and direct all daily activities within the metal fabrication and production departments, including welding, cutting, forming, machining, and finishing to meet demanding production schedules.
  • Develop, implement, and rigorously enforce comprehensive safety protocols and programs (in line with OSHA standards) to cultivate a zero-incident work environment.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by championing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma principles to optimize workflow, reduce waste, and increase overall productivity.
  • Manage and mentor a diverse team of supervisors, leads, and production staff, handling recruitment, training, performance management, and career development to build a skilled and motivated workforce.
  • Maintain stringent quality control standards throughout the production process, ensuring all products meet or exceed customer specifications and industry certifications like ISO 9001.
  • Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and analyze production data to control costs, improve efficiency, and report on operational performance to senior leadership.
  • Plan and coordinate production schedules based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and customer demand to ensure on-time delivery and optimal resource allocation.
  • Direct the preventative maintenance program for all machinery and equipment, minimizing downtime and coordinating with maintenance teams for necessary repairs and capital equipment upgrades.
  • Manage the procurement and inventory of raw materials, such as steel, aluminum, and other alloys, ensuring a consistent supply chain and optimal stock levels to prevent production delays.
  • Serve as the primary technical expert for all metal fabrication processes, providing guidance and troubleshooting support to resolve complex production challenges.
  • Interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and manufacturing specifications to ensure production accuracy and feasibility.
  • Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Sales, and Quality departments to streamline the new product introduction (NPI) process and resolve customer issues.
  • Lead root cause analysis investigations for any production defects, safety incidents, or process failures, and implement effective corrective and preventative actions.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies, machinery, and software solutions to enhance manufacturing capabilities, improve quality, and reduce costs.
  • Manage relationships with key vendors and suppliers for materials, consumables, and outside processing services, negotiating pricing and ensuring quality standards are met.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations regarding material handling, waste disposal, and recycling of scrap metal.
  • Conduct regular capacity planning analysis to ensure the facility can meet future demand and identify potential bottlenecks in the production flow.
  • Champion a positive and inclusive team environment, promoting open communication, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence.
  • Prepare and present detailed operational reports, financial summaries, and strategic recommendations to the executive management team.
  • Directly manage scheduling, programming, and operation of advanced equipment such as CNC lasers, plasma cutters, press brakes, and robotic welders.
  • Oversee the logistics of material flow within the plant, from raw material receiving to finished goods shipment, ensuring an organized and efficient layout.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends in production efficiency, scrap rates, and labor utilization.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader manufacturing strategy and long-term capital investment roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate complex customer needs and product designs into practical and efficient engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies, particularly when integrating new software (like ERP or MES updates) within the production environment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma: Proven ability to implement tools like Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and statistical process control to drive efficiency.
  • Metal Fabrication Expertise: In-depth, hands-on knowledge of welding (MIG, TIG, Stick), CNC machining, laser/plasma cutting, press brake forming, and finishing processes.
  • Blueprint & GD&T Proficiency: Ability to read, interpret, and work from complex engineering drawings, schematics, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
  • ERP/MRP Systems: Advanced proficiency with enterprise resource planning software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) for production planning and inventory management.
  • Quality Management Systems: Experience working within and auditing ISO 9001 or similar quality frameworks.
  • OSHA & Safety Regulations: Deep understanding of industrial safety standards and a track record of successfully managing safety programs.
  • Budgeting & P&L Management: Strong financial acumen with experience creating and managing departmental budgets and understanding cost drivers.
  • CAD/CAM Software: Familiarity with viewing or using CAD software (like AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and CAM programming concepts.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Expertise in structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams).
  • Material Science: Solid understanding of the properties and applications of various metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Building: Inspiring leader with the ability to mentor, motivate, and develop a high-performing, cohesive team.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of communicating effectively from the shop floor to the executive suite.
  • Problem-Solving: A tenacious and analytical troubleshooter who can rapidly diagnose issues and implement effective solutions under pressure.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the bigger picture, anticipate future challenges, and align departmental goals with overall business objectives.
  • Project Management: Organized and disciplined approach to managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Decision-Making: Confident and decisive, able to make sound judgments based on a combination of data, experience, and intuition.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and resilient, able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment with shifting priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent combined with extensive, relevant leadership experience in a metal manufacturing setting.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
  • Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), or Project Management (PMP) are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Operations Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in a metal fabrication, machining, or heavy manufacturing environment.
  • At least 3-5 years of direct supervisory or management experience, leading production teams and holding responsibility for departmental KPIs.

Preferred:

  • Direct, hands-on experience managing a multi-process fabrication shop that includes CNC machinery, welding, and assembly.
  • Proven success in leading significant continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
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