Workshop Manager

Job Title: Workshop Manager

Reporting To: MD and Senior Management

Job Purpose Summary:
The Workshop Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all workshop production activities to ensure fabrication projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and to the required quality standards. The role oversees day-to-day operations within the fabrication facility, managing production planning, resource allocation, health and safety, and ensuring effective communication between production, quality, logistics, and management teams.

The Workshop Manager will play a key role in maximising productivity, improving workflow efficiencies, maintaining customer satisfaction, and supporting the continued growth of the business.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Production Management

Manage and coordinate all fabrication and workshop activities to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.

Plan and prioritise workloads across the fabrication, welding, painting, inspection, and dispatch functions.

Monitor production schedules and allocation resources to meet customer delivery requirements.

Ensure labour, materials, plant, and equipment are effectively utilised.

Identify production bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve efficiency and output.

Work closely with estimating, procurement, quality, and management teams to ensure smooth project execution.

Monitor productivity and performance against production targets and KPIs.

Team Leadership & Management

Directly manage workshop personnel including:

Welder/Fabricators

Welding and Quality Inspector

Paint Shop Personnel

Driver / Logistics Support

Lead, motivate, and develop the production team to maintain high levels of performance and engagement.

Conduct regular team briefings, performance reviews, and disciplinary processes where required.

Support training and development initiatives, including welding qualifications and skills progression.

Promote a positive, accountable, and proactive working culture throughout the workshop.

Check timesheets are filled out correctly and clear to understand.

Quality & Compliance

Ensure all fabrication and welding activities comply with customer specifications, drawings, procedures, and applicable industry standards including BS EN 1090.

Work alongside the Welding Inspector and Quality functions to maintain quality standards and reduce non-conformities.

Support inspection activities, quality documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ensure all rework, defects, and NCRs are investigated and corrective actions implemented.

Maintain high housekeeping and workshop standards at all times.

Health, Safety & Environmental

Lead by example in promoting a strong health and safety culture throughout the business.

Ensure all workshop activities are carried out in accordance with company H&S procedures and statutory requirements.

Carry out risk assessments, toolbox talks, and safety monitoring activities where required.

Ensure employees operate machinery and equipment safely and correctly.

Work closely with the Compliance and H&S Manager to support continuous improvement in safety performance.

Logistics & Delivery Coordination

Coordinate dispatch activities and delivery schedules with the company driver, logistics support and external haulage providers where applicable.

Ensure completed products are prepared, checked, and delivered in line with customer requirements.

Support material flow and stock management within the workshop environment.

Continuous Improvement

Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across production operations.

Identify opportunities to improve workflow, reduce waste, improve quality, and increase productivity.

Support implementation of new processes, equipment, and operational improvements.

This list is not exhaustive and all reasonable requests should be met.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

Proven experience in a Production Manager, Workshop Manager, or Supervisory role within a steel fabrication or heavy engineering environment.

Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, and manufacturing processes.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

Experience managing fabrication teams and coordinating workshop operations.

Good understanding of quality standards and fabrication compliance requirements.

Strong organisational, leadership, and communication skills.

Good problem-solving and decision-making ability.

IT proficiency including Microsoft Office packages.

Direct Reports

Approx. 12 Welder/Fabricators

Welding Inspector

2 Painters

Driver / Logistics Support

Personal Attributes

Strong leadership and people management skills.

Proactive and practical attitude.

High attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Professional and approachable manner.

Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.