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.