SUMMARY

The Director of Fabrication provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fabrication activities, ensuring the efficient production of high-quality products while maintaining safety, quality, and cost objectives.

This role is responsible for directing fabrication operations, optimizing manufacturing processes, managing budgets and resources, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals. The Director collaborates closely with engineering, project management, procurement, and quality assurance to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and in compliance with industry standards. Additionally, this position drives continuous improvement initiatives, workforce development, and the implementation of best practices to enhance productivity, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The Director of Fabrication also works closely with the Directors of Production and Executive Creative Director to ensure seamless communication, alignment, and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. This partnership promotes efficient decision-making, streamlined execution, and creative solutions while maximizing profitability and delivering exceptional results for our clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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Fabrication Operations Leadership

Fabrication oversight - Direct and oversee all fabrication, print, and sign shop operations to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with company quality standards.
Production planning - Lead planning, scheduling, and execution of fabrication activities by allocating personnel, equipment, materials, and shop resources.
Workflow development - Develop fabrication strategies, methods of execution (MOE), production workflows, and value‑engineering solutions that balance quality, cost, and timelines.
Manufacturability review - Review fabrication drawings, build documentation, and production methods to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, and efficient execution.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

QA/QC management - Establish and maintain quality assurance and quality control processes to ensure all fabricated products meet client specifications and company standards.
Utilize fabrication expertise, knowledge of AKJ fabrication capabilities, and overall shop timing / bandwidth data to aid in assessing whether or not a project can be accomplished to AKJ quality standards / feasibility.
Quality reviews - Conduct quality checks throughout fabrication to ensure compliance with approved documentation and standards.

Project Estimating, Budgeting & Financial Oversight

Estimating - Prepare and review project estimates, material takeoffs, labor requirements, and production budgets; maintain current pricing and estimating resources.
Financial performance - Oversee production budgets, labor utilization, material costs, and financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.
Cost evaluation - Evaluate materials, specialty products, and manufacturing methods to recommend cost‑effective, high‑quality solutions.

Procurement, Inventory & Material Management

Procurement coordination - Direct procurement of fabrication materials and specialty items; manage vendor relationships and material availability.
Inventory control - Oversee inventory management, replenishment, and material readiness to support production schedules.
Material management - Ensure cost‑effective material usage and alignment with project requirements.

Equipment, Facility & Asset Management

Equipment allocation - Manage equipment, materials, and shop capacity to ensure projects are executed efficiently, cost‑effectively, and in alignment with operational priorities.
Equipment maintenance - Oversee maintenance of fabrication equipment, shop assets, and production facilities to ensure reliability and safety.
Facility improvements - Partner with Operations to manage facility improvements and long‑term asset planning.

Safety, Compliance & Regulatory Management

Safety leadership - Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and industry best practices through training, documentation, and enforcement.
Regulatory documentation - Maintain SDS records, safety documentation, and regulatory compliance files.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

Staff management - Lead, develop, and evaluate fabrication staff through hiring, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
Resource Management - Manage allocation of staff and delegation of duties; Assess outsourcing needs during peak periods and identify vendors who can support
Training & development - Recruit, train, mentor, and support professional development for fabrication staff.
Operational administration - Administer timekeeping approvals, purchasing records, expense coding, and other operational reporting requirements.
Project Managers should also be assigned strategically based on the scope of work, available bandwidth, and timing of each project lifecycle to ensure the right resources are aligned for efficient and profitable execution.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Client Support

Internal collaboration - Partner with Producers, Project Management, Design, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Accounting, and HR to ensure seamless project execution.
Client engagement - Participate in client meetings, site visits, and technical consultations to support planning and problem resolution.
Leadership team participation - Contribute to strategic planning, operational excellence, financial performance, and continuous improvement as part of the company’s leadership team.

Production Tracking & Documentation

Production tracking - Monitor production progress through build documentation and tracking systems, providing accurate updates to stakeholders.
Documentation review - Review construction drawings, floor plans, shop drawings, and design documentation to validate fabrication methods.

This role also ties directly into the specific needs of our key clients, as well as unique processes owed to integrated construction projects and themed project workflows and application/process suites that are unique to that business unit; specifically:

QAC/QAP/Audit/Inspection and Compliance
Procore
Standards/FAT/SAT/Closeout Documentation
BIM360, Apex, COUPA and SAP
NexGen
Overhire/outsource management and oversight
Supplier pricing and relationship management
New business development (and/or early pipeline engagement)
New Capabilities: Additional thought given to works involving fiberglass (FRP) and concrete works (TCP) with the skillsets required to subcontract and manage these processes.

Technology

AirTable project management software, Sketchup or similar modeling software, Google Suite software (Google Drive), Office Suite software(Microsoft Office), Calendar and scheduling software (Employee scheduling software & Google Calendar), Electronic mail software (Microsoft Outlook & Gmail), Presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint), Spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel & Google Sheets), Time accounting software (Time and attendance software), Word processing software (Microsoft Word & Google Docs), Video conferencing software (Zoom & Google Meet), Messaging software (Slack).

Tools

CNC routers, Laser cutters and engravers, CNC plasma cutting systems, Table saws, panel saws, and sliding saws, Miter saws and chop saws, Band saws, Drill presses, Router tables and handheld routers, Planers and jointers, Wood lathes, Metal fabrication equipment, MIG, TIG, and Stick welding equipment, Hydraulic presses and brakes, Shears and metal cutting equipment, Industrial sewing and finishing equipment (as applicable), Lamination, Paint booths and spray equipment, Pneumatic and electric hand tools, Material handling equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, lifts, and hoists).

Education/Experience:

10+ Years of related experience
10+ Years of production and fabrication experience
HS Diploma/GED required
Valid Drivers License

Environment/Physical Demands:

Frequently standing/sitting/walking up to 8 hours per day
Frequently using hands/arms up to 8 hours per day
Regularly lifting between 5 – 50 lbs.
Regularly team lifting between 50 – 100 lbs.
Frequently climbing/crouching/crawling up to 8 hours per day
Regular exposure to fumes
Moderate noise level
Frequently viewing a computer monitor screen
Frequently exposed to heat, sun, and the elements

Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

AKJOHNSTON Group LLC jobs

Director of Fabrication