My client is a well-established, family-owned industrial contractor and fabricator operating multiple specialized business lines. They’re seeking an experienced Shop / Operations lead to run their Denver-area fabrication and shop operations — a hands-on role accountable for project delivery, quality, safety, and commercial performance across shop fabrication, procurement and project execution.
Role overview — what they want
- Senior operations leader with end-to-end accountability for delivering fabrication and shop-based projects on time, safely, within budget and to specification.
- You will manage the shop lifecycle from pre-production planning and procurement through fabrication, testing and customer turnover, while developing the team and improving processes to raise productivity and margins.
- This is a high-influence role : you’ll partner with sales / account teams, engineering / CAD resources, purchasing, and field teams to coordinate material flow, subcontractors and schedules.
Key responsibilities
Lead, coach and grow a multi-discipline shop and operations team; set clear performance expectations and promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.Establish and maintain operational processes, project controls and best-practice shop procedures; implement and enforce program-level project management practices.Own project financials and reporting : cost tracking, WIP, productivity metrics, forecasting and change order oversight.Oversee procurement coordination and vendor / subcontractor management to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.Coordinate with CAD / VDC and engineering to ensure design-for-fabrication alignment and handoffs.Drive shop planning, resource allocation and production sequencing to meet contractual milestones.Resolve high-impact operational or commercial issues and make decisive, data-informed choices that protect project outcomes.Who they’re looking for (minimum)
Proven manufacturing / fabrication operations background with roughly 10+ years in production or shop management and several years in a supervisory role.Comfortable with ERP / project management tools and shop-related technologies (experience with systems like Viewpoint, project documentation workflows, CAD / VDC collaboration is a plus).Degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations or equivalent experience preferred.Strong commercial awareness — able to own budgets, billings, and project financial health — and excellent stakeholder skills working with customers, engineers and internal teams.Demonstrated track record improving productivity, enforcing safety standards and leading cross-functional teams.Location & compensation
Based in the Denver, CO area.Salary range the client is targeting : approximately USD 135,000–155,000, plus benefits and development opportunities.Why this role matters
This is a leadership position at a stable, values-driven organization where the successful candidate will shape shop operations, influence company strategy and build capability through training and process modernization.Equal-opportunity note
My client is committed to fair hiring practices and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.