Machine Shop/Fab Leader

Barry-Wehmiller•Phillips, WI

12h

About The Position

Responsible for the general supervision, direction, and coordination of a three-shift machine shop operation to meet production schedules, quality, and cost objectives. The Machine Shop/Fab Leader oversees and coordinates all activities within the machine shop, ensuring efficient production, adherence to safety and quality standards, and optimal resource utilization. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on leadership to maintain productivity and compliance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. BWP is seeking a highly motivated individual with demonstrated ability to meet or exceed expectations in safety, cost, quality, delivery, and customer expectations. This role has full responsibility for results in terms of costs, methods, and team members, and will champion continuous improvement efforts throughout the department.

Requirements

Knowledge of machine shop methods and procedures.
Familiar with quality requirements, tools and tooling, shop practices and interpretation of complex drawings.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; be able to independently solve problems while interacting with various teams and teammates on daily process and flow.
Ability to bring together a team with a shared vision of delivering results and embracing the culture of the organization.
Strong foundation with continuous improvement tools, A3 Problem Solving, Managing for Daily Improvement (MDI), Root Cause and Corrective Measures (RCCM), Kaizen and Lean Principles, Leader Standard Work Development.
Drive engagement and ownership at all levels and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
Possess data-driven decision making to analyze and interpret data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
Make informed decisions based on verified metrics.
Leverage visual management tools (dashboards, KPI boards) to communicate performance clearly.
Drive accountability by using data to set targets, monitor progress, and adjust strategies.
Proficient in implementing visual boards (e.g., SQDC or KPI dashboards) in the assembly area to track daily performance.
Conducting daily stand-up meetings using these boards to review progress and address variances.
Set clear targets and color-code status for quick visibility and encourage team ownership by assigning metric updates to frontline leaders.
Strong skills in high level capacity planning, scheduling systems, staff and training plans.
Proficiency in MS Office.
General understanding of functions with ERP system.
Ability to manage a large, diverse team with a substantial impact on the company business.
Must be capable of multi-tasking various duties throughout the day, have a positive attitude with an ability to be versatile and flexible.
High school diploma or GED; bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
Typically requires a minimum of 5+ years’ management level experience with significant team interactions and proven team growth.
This is a regular, full-time position with the understanding that a regular workweek will require extended days and hours as needed to meet business needs.

Responsibilities

Analyze forecasts and coordinate schedules to meet delivery requirements; follow progress of work and advise/instruct team.
Arrange for shifting of manpower in order to minimize overtime, reduce costs, and plan for emergencies.
Make effective recommendations for changes in work force to meet changing conditions
Operational oversight of daily shop activities to ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time, while monitoring workflow and resolving operational issues promptly.
Work with supervisors to determine unusual conditions requiring attention and coordination.
Create and enforce shop policies to improve efficiency, maintain safety standards, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal guidelines.
Plan and schedule machine maintenance and repairs to minimize downtime.
Maintain inventory of raw materials, tools, and equipment.
Develop and mentor team members through coaching, training, and career growth opportunities.
Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence.
Primary liaison with other departments to expedite flow of materials into area in order to complete orders and schedules as planned.
Maintain quality and quantity of production; assist/instruct personnel as necessary to maintain proper workflow through the department.
Review costs and work methods; take action or make recommendations to reduce costs and improve operations.
Coordinate with other departments to control and schedule workflow between operations.
Identify obstacles to achieving expectations and engage/lead team to understand reason for impediment; implement sustainable countermeasures to mitigate/eliminate recurring obstacles.
Develop strategy and plan to meet long term growth requirements of the business.
Enforce company rules and regulations; maintain harmonious relations with employees; address grievances per company policy; take prescribed disciplinary action as required; make recommendations for hires, promotions, transfers, dismissals.
Prepare reports related to assigned area; maintain all necessary records and files.
Attend production and other meetings as required.
Embrace and exemplify the guiding principles of leadership and leadership fundamentals.