G&W Electric is hiring: Manager of Welding / Fabrication in Bolingbrook

Overview

Production Manager – Fabrication & Welding

Reporting to the Director of Assembly Operations, the Fabrication & Welding Manager is responsible for overseeing all fabrication and welding operations across three shifts. This includes supervision of production staff, welding engineers, and CNC machine operations, with full accountability for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The role also involves driving process improvements, increasing productivity, and ensuring high standards in technical execution and employee development. The role includes full responsibility for defining, tracking, and improving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, scrap rate, rework, and throughput

Responsibilities

• Lead the fabrication and welding value stream to meet production schedules, reduce process times, and increase resource utilization.
• Assist supervisors in the evaluation and improvement of manufacturing processes, through lean concepts and Six Sigma, while driving a lean culture
• Establish and monitor KPIs (OEE, productivity, first-pass yield, rework, scrap, downtime) to evaluate operational performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee the operation and continuous improvement of CNC machinery, ensuring proper utilization, programming efficiency, and equipment reliability
• Ensure the implementation of welding standards, fabrication best practices, and quality control protocols.
• Partner with Operational Excellence to define and implement improvement roadmaps in line with Lean manufacturing principles and business strategy.
• Drive adoption of Lean Manufacturing tools including 5S, visual management, and standard work to increase process stability and efficiency.
• Research and introduce new technologies or processes (e.g., CNC upgrades, automation) to increase throughput and reduce operational costs
• Identify and implement improvements in welding/fabrication processes, equipment, and layout to enhance throughput and safety.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, participate in strategic capital investment planning
• Monitor and respond to production delays, quality issues, and resource constraints in real-time; escalate as necessary to minimize impact.
• Ensure the accurate and timely execution of customer orders while meeting quality and delivery objectives
• Establish visual management systems, standard work documentation, and shop floor accountability routines.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and Planning to resolve material shortages, non-conformances, and capacity constraints.
• Ensure proper training and cross-training of operators in welding, fabrication, and CNC machinery.
• Promote a safe and productive work environment by enforcing safety standards, leading safety investigations, and proactively addressing hazards
• Ensure compliance with Corporate Safety Policies, OSHA, and EPA standards across all fabrication and welding operations.
• Maintain cross-department coordination to achieve overall company goals.
• Lead and mentor supervisors and leads in performance management, disciplinary actions, and employee development.
• Evaluate and update the performance of team members against their job requirements and performance goals within the time frame designated for their position level; review performance for all subordinates and all salary adjustments
• Participate in recruiting and onboarding technical and production personnel as needed.
• Review disciplinary actions to ensure consistency and policy compliance
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and internal policies for health, safety, and environmental protection.
• Respond to and resolve department emergencies

Qualifications

• Has a Bachelor’s Degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Has at least 3 years of experience in a supervisory role within fabrication, welding, or CNC operations
• Has 5+ years of experience in manufacturing with a strong background in welding and machining processes.
• Has demonstrated ability to lead multi-shift operations and improve KPIs through structured methodologies.
• Possesses solid knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Has strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and lead change.
• Is proficient in ERP/MES systems and production reporting tools.
• Ideally you will also have:
• AWS certification or equivalent.
• Experience with robotic welding systems and automation technologies.
• Background in engineered-to-order production