Shop Foreman

Job Title: Shop Foreman – Steel Erection & Crane Support Division

Department: Operations / Yard / Fabrication Support

Reports To:

• General Superintendent (primary)
• Owner/President (secondary / dotted-line for major decisions)

Supervises:

• Shop Hands / Yard Hands
• Field Service / Support Labor assigned to the shop
• Temporary labor assigned to shop or yard work

Position Summary

The Shop Foreman is responsible for the daily leadership, productivity, safety, organization, and output of the company shop and yard. This role ensures that field crews and crane operations are supported through timely fabrication, repair, staging, and maintenance of tools, small steel assemblies, rigging-related items, trucks, trailers, and other job-critical assets.

This position serves as the execution owner of shop priorities and ensures shop hands perform high-quality work efficiently, safely, and in alignment with operational needs. The Shop Foreman works closely with the General Superintendent and Asset/Equipment Manager to keep equipment ready, yard organized, and shop workflow aligned with upcoming field demands.

Core Responsibilities

1. Shop Production & Fabrication (Primary)

• Lead fabrication of tools, jigs, braces, temporary steel, lifting devices, and field support items.
• Convert field requests into clear work orders with:
• scope
• material list
• due date
• priority level
• Ensure shop deliverables meet field needs for fit, function, durability, and safety.
• Coordinate with General Superintendent on new field support projects.
• Maintain production pacing to avoid delays to mobilizations or critical lifts.

2. Yard & Shop Organization

• Own the physical condition and order of the yard and shop spaces:
• front shop
• back shop
• laydown areas
• tool storage areas
• scrap/steel storage
• Establish and enforce organization standards for:
• tool return locations
• rigging storage
• consumables (bolts, welding rod, grinding discs, etc.)
• steel drops/remnants
• Ensure the yard stays clean, safe, and optimized for quick load-out.

3. Leadership & Management of Shop Hands

• Direct daily tasks, priorities, and workflow for shop hands.
• Assign work based on skill level, urgency, and safety risk.
• Coach and train shop hands on:
• fabrication methods
• safe tool use
• equipment handling
• yard organization standards
• Maintain discipline and accountability:
• quality expectations
• attendance
• pace and urgency
• professionalism
• Identify skill gaps and communicate training needs to GS/Owner.

4. Maintenance / Repair of Assets

• Perform or oversee repair/servicing of:
• trucks
• trailers
• forklifts / telehandlers
• small equipment
• field tools
• welding machines
• shop equipment
• Triage repairs by urgency:
• safety-critical
• mobilization-critical
• productivity-critical
• routine preventive
• Communicate repair status clearly to GS and Asset/Equipment Manager.

5. Purchasing & Material Control

• Identify required materials for shop jobs and yard replenishment.
• Coordinate purchasing through approved process:
• Primary purchasing contact: C. Henry (preferred)
• Secondary: Asset/Equipment Manager or GS if needed
• Prevent shortages by maintaining minimum stock levels for high-use items.
• Track special-order materials for shop builds and confirm delivery timelines.
• Ensure materials are stored properly and inventory waste is minimized.

6. Safety & Compliance in the Shop

• Enforce all company safety policies in the shop and yard.
• Ensure shop hands use required PPE and safe practices at all times.
• Conduct routine safety checks on:
• grinders
• welding leads
• torches
• lifting devices
• forklifts and yard equipment
• Stop unsafe work immediately and correct behavior.
• Report hazards, incidents, or near-misses to Safety & Quality team.

7. Communication & Coordination

• Provide daily/weekly updates to GS on:
• shop workload
• completed items
• upcoming needs
• repair status
• manpower issues
• Communicate proactively if:
• fabrication timelines are at risk
• materials are delayed
• asset issues could impact field production
• Coordinate with PMs or Foremen as needed to clarify build requests.

Tasks / Duties (Daily & Weekly)

Daily

• Review field/shop request list and confirm priorities with Management.
• Assign tasks to shop hands and verify clarity.
• Inspect yard and shop for cleanliness, safety, and organization.
• Execute fabrication and/or repairs personally when required.
• Confirm all tools/assets used are returned to designated spots.

Weekly

• Plan upcoming shop workload based on:
• mobilization schedules
• special lifts
• GS field plans
• Verify consumables inventory and request replenishments.
• Inspect key shop equipment for wear and schedule service if needed.
• Review shop hand performance and coach as necessary.

Expectations

Reporting & Authority

• Reports directly to Management and keeps Owner/President informed on major items.
• Can make routine shop/yard task decisions independently.
• Major decisions require Management/Owner approval, including:
• non-standard fabrication
• high-cost purchases
• asset repairs exceeding defined cost threshold
• changes to priority that impact field schedule

Work Hours / Availability

• Standard schedule:
• Mon–Thurs: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Friday: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Must be reachable off-clock via work phone for urgent field/shop needs.
• Occasional overtime or weekend support required when mobilizations or emergencies demand.

Performance Standards

• Shop output supports field schedule without delays.
• Yard stays clean, organized, and safe every day.
• Repairs are completed quickly and correctly the first time.
• Shop hands operate with urgency and professionalism.
• Materials are purchased responsibly with minimal waste.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time delivery rate of shop-fabricated items to the field.
• Downtime hours avoided through fast equipment repairs.
• Shop rework frequency (goal: minimal).
• Yard organization score (weekly GS audit).
• Safety compliance (no unreported hazards, consistent PPE use).
• Material waste rate (drops/scrap vs planned).
• Shop hand performance stability (attendance + quality).

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong fabrication and repair background in structural steel / construction shop environment.
• Ability to read basic drawings/sketches and interpret field needs.
• Skilled in:
• welding
• cutting/grinding
• torch work
• drilling/bolting
• equipment troubleshooting
• Proven ability to lead small crews and hold standards.
• Forklift/telehandler experience strongly preferred.
• High safety awareness and willingness to enforce standards.

Competencies / What This Role Requires Mentally

• Field-first mindset — understands what delays cost crews.
• Organization discipline — doesn't tolerate chaos in yard/tooling.
• Fast prioritization — can shift based on daily field demands.
• Clear communicator — no surprises to GS.
• Hands-on leader — leads by doing, not just directing.
• Quality pride — builds it right so field doesn't fight it later.

Pay: $ $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 48.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings