Lead Fabricator / Shop Foreman
#295160
Burnaby, BC, Canada
Description
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Lead Fabricator / Shop Foreman to support our growing fabrication team. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building high-quality custom architectural metal projects while helping lead daily shop operations.
The successful candidate will report directly to the Production Manager and act as the second-in-command of the fabrication shop. When the Production Manager is unavailable, this individual will take responsibility for shop operations, workflow coordination, quality control, and employee direction.
This is not a desk job. Most of the day will be spent fabricating, fitting, welding, and supporting production while providing leadership to the shop team.
Key Responsibilities
Fabrication & Welding
- Fabricate, fit, assemble, and weld architectural metal products.
- Interpret shop drawings and specifications accurately.
- Produce high-quality work that meets company standards.
- Help solve fabrication challenges and design-detail issues.
- Maintain productivity while completing work safely and efficiently.
Leadership & Shop Coordination
- Provide daily leadership and direction to fabrication staff.
- Assist with assigning work and managing shop priorities.
- Monitor workflow and help jobs move efficiently through production.
- Support and mentor junior fabricators and apprentices.
- Promote a positive, respectful, and accountable team environment.
- Lead by example through strong work ethic, craftsmanship, and professionalism.
Acting Shop Leadership
When the Production Manager is away, the Lead Fabricator / Shop Foreman will:
- Take charge of daily shop operations.
- Coordinate labour and production priorities.
- Communicate with Project Managers about production requirements.
- Address workflow issues and help remove production bottlenecks.
- Keep production deadlines and priorities on track.
- Escalate significant concerns to management when required.
Quality & Safety
- Maintain high standards of workmanship and attention to detail.
- Complete quality checks throughout the fabrication process.
- Ensure safe work practices are consistently followed.
- Support company safety initiatives and housekeeping standards.
- Maintain an organized and efficient work area.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of fabrication experience in a custom metal fabrication environment.
- Extensive MIG and TIG welding experience.
- Strong ability to read and interpret shop drawings.
- Experience fabricating stairs, railings, gates, structural steel, architectural metalwork, and custom projects.
- Proven experience leading crews, teams, or projects.
Technical Skills
- Blueprint and drawing interpretation.
- Layout and fitting.
- Welding proficiency.
- Safe operation of fabrication equipment and machinery.
- Material handling and fabrication planning.
- Quality control and inspection practices.
Leadership Skills
- Strong communication and organizational abilities.
- Ability to motivate and direct production staff.
- Calm and effective decision-making under pressure.
- Ability to balance productivity, quality, and safety.
- Strong practical problem-solving skills.