The Fabrication Operations Manager is responsible for leading the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of fabrication activities within the facility. This role oversees production scheduling, quality, equipment utilization, workforce development, customer requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This position ensures fabrication operations consistently meet customer specifications, delivery commitments, safety standards, and productivity objectives while supporting Friedman Industries’ commitment to operational excellence.

The Fabrication Operations Manager works closely with Operations, Sales, Customer Service, Maintenance, Shipping, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and Procurement personnel to optimize workflow, resolve issues, and maximize customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily steel fabrication and manufacturing operations.
• Manage production scheduling, staffing, workflow, capacity, and on-time delivery.
• Oversee laser processing, press brake, bending, fabrication, integration, and testing activities.
• Lead supervisors, team leads, technicians, and production employees through coaching, accountability, and performance management.
• Drive safety, quality, throughput, labor efficiency, equipment uptime, scrap reduction, and rework reduction.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, Shipping, and senior leadership.
• Manage KPIs, budgets, workforce planning, hiring, training, and facility growth initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of fabrication, steel processing, or industrial manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership, supervisory, or management experience.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAM software, laser cutting, press brake, bending, and fabrication equipment.
• Experience with production scheduling, workflow management, capacity planning, safety, quality, and productivity improvement.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent and Microsoft Office proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Fabrication start-up, multi-site operations, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma experience.

Physical Requirements

Manufacturing environment; frequent walking and extended standing; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; required PPE; exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, and moving equipment.

Why Join Friedman Industries?

• Opportunity to lead and shape growing fabrication operations.
• Visible role with meaningful impact on safety, quality, productivity, and customer performance
• Competitive compensation and benefits -100% paid health plans for employees and dependents.
• 401(k) plan, paid time off, paid holidays, paid maternity / paternity leave
• Career growth opportunities within an established steel processing and manufacturing company
• Tuition reimbursement

About Friedman Industries

Friedman Industries is a publicly traded steel processing and manufacturing company with a long history of serving customers across North America. We are committed to safety, quality, operational excellence, customer service, and continuous improvement. Our employees are central to our success, and we value leaders who build strong teams, solve problems, and deliver reliable results.

Friedman Industries (NASDAQ: FRD) is a leading steel processing and distribution company with operations across the United States. Since 1965, we've built our reputation on safety, quality, integrity, and entrepreneurial thinking. We invest in our people by providing exceptional benefits, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative culture where every team member contributes to our success.