WORKSHOP MANAGER - HVAC Ducting & Steel Fabrication

Introduction Our client is looking for an experienced, hands-on Workshop Manager to take ownership of a busy HVAC ducting and steel fabrication workshop.

This is a key operational leadership role for someone who understands fabrication, production planning and workshop management — and who is passionate about improving productivity, quality, delivery and team performance.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead from the front, drive accountability on the workshop floor and continuously improve the way the operation works.

Duties & Responsibilities Production & Workflow Management

Plan, schedule, and oversee daily workshop operations across HVAC ducting fabrication (e.g. spiral, rectangular, fittings) and structural/steel fabrication. Allocate labour, machinery, and materials to meet production schedules and customer deadlines. Monitor job progress against timelines and budgets, proactively resolving bottlenecks. Coordinate closely with estimating, design/drawing office, procurement, and site/installation teams to ensure smooth handoffs.

Driving Efficiency

Identify and eliminate waste, rework, and downtime through lean manufacturing principles. Optimise workshop layout, workflow sequencing, and machine utilisation. Track key production metrics (output, cycle times, material yield, labour efficiency) and report on performance. Champion continuous improvement initiatives and embed a culture of problem-solving on the shop floor.

Quality & Standards

Set, communicate, and enforce quality standards for fabrication and finishing, ensuring compliance with relevant codes (e.g. SMACNA/DW144 or local ducting standards, welding/fabrication standards). Implement and maintain quality control checkpoints throughout the production process. Reduce defects, rework, and customer complaints through disciplined process control. Drive a "right first time" mindset across the team.

People Leadership

Lead, mentor, and performance-manage workshop supervisors, fabricators, welders, and general workshop staff. Build a skills matrix and drive upskilling/cross-training across ducting and steel fabrication disciplines. Foster a positive, accountable, and safety-first workshop culture. Manage rosters, overtime, and resource planning to match workload demands.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, including PPE use, machine guarding, and safe handling of sheet metal and steel. Conduct/oversee toolbox talks, risk assessments, and incident investigations. Maintain a clean, organised, and hazard-free workshop (5S or similar methodology encouraged).

Equipment & Resources

Oversee maintenance schedules for fabrication equipment (guillotines, folders, rollers, plasma/laser cutters, welding equipment, etc.). Manage inventory of raw materials, consumables, and tooling to avoid production delays. Identify capital equipment needs and business cases for upgrades.

Reporting & Cost Control

Monitor workshop costs, labour hours, and material usage against budget. Provide regular reports to senior management on production performance, efficiency gains, and quality metrics. Support quoting/estimating teams with accurate production time and cost data.

Desired Experience & Qualification Essential

Proven experience as a Workshop Manager, Production Manager, or Fabrication Shop Supervisor within HVAC ducting, sheet metal, or structural steel fabrication. Strong technical knowledge of ducting fabrication processes and/or steel fabrication and welding methods. Demonstrated track record of improving workshop efficiency, throughput, or quality standards. Solid people management experience — leading, developing, and holding fabrication teams accountable. Strong understanding of health and safety requirements in a fabrication/workshop environment. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications. Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with a bias toward action.

Desirable

Formal qualification in mechanical/production engineering, trade certification (boilermaker, sheet metal worker, welder), or equivalent experience. Exposure to lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement methodologies. Experience with production planning/ERP systems. Knowledge of relevant ducting and welding standards/codes.

Personal Attributes

Hands-on leader who leads from the front and isn't afraid to be on the shop floor. High standards and low tolerance for mediocrity, balanced with the ability to coach and develop people. Strong communicator who can bridge the gap between the workshop floor and senior management. Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced production environment. Genuinely motivated to build something — sees this as an opportunity to leave a mark on the business.

What Success Looks Like

Measurable improvements in on-time delivery, production throughput, and material yield. A visible lift in workshop quality standards and a reduction in rework/defects. A safer, cleaner, more organised workshop environment. A more engaged, accountable, and higher-skilled workshop team. Workshop operations that scale smoothly as PDM grows.

Package & Remuneration

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience Benefits — medical aid, pension/retirement, etc. The opportunity to shape and modernise a growing workshop operation A leadership role with real autonomy and visible impact on the business Career growth pathway / training support

Interested? IMPORTANT

This is not a general administration or supervisory position. It is a hands-on Workshop Management role requiring proven experience in HVAC ducting, sheet-metal or steel fabrication.

Candidates without relevant fabrication/workshop management experience will not be considered.