Fabrication Manager

ROLE OVERVIEW

InServ is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in process piping (hygienic and non-hygienic), plumbing, and mechanical piping systems. The company is focused on enhancing its pipe fabrication capabilities and expanding into structural fabrication, including frames for skid and module construction. This role will be instrumental in developing a state-of-the-art pipe fabrication facility.

The Fabrication Manager leads and oversees all fabrication operations across two shops, including hygienic and biopharmaceutical projects. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality production while meeting project specifications, budgets, and schedules. The manager coordinates workflows, logistics, and team performance to drive operational excellence.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong culture of safety and environmental responsibility.
• Identify, mitigate, and monitor safety risks.
• Enforce compliance with company fabrication and welding standards.
• Ensure adherence to safety and quality requirements through regular inspections.

Quality Control

• Foster a quality-focused fabrication team culture.
• Collaborate with QC to maintain standards and address deficiencies promptly.
• Understand pipe fabrication documentation and turnover requirements.
• Establish and monitor quality control hold points.
• Oversee the welder certification process (QC maintains documentation and continuity records).

Fabrication Operations

• Serve as subject matter expert in pipe and structural steel fabrication.
• Coordinate with suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors to support project execution.
• Oversee layout, fabrication, assembly, staging, and transport of fabricated spools, structures or other assemblies.
• Review shop drawings and welding procedures to ensure alignment with project priorities.
• Participate in operations reviews and provide input on financial, staffing, and equipment needs.

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain fabrication plans, schedules, and labor forecasts.
• Monitor progress and adjust priorities across multiple concurrent projects.
• Support estimating, bidding, and change order management.
• Identify and mitigate risks or delays to maintain project timelines.
• Lead regular project review meetings with staff.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and manage shop personnel, including welders, fitters, and foremen.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with operations and design teams to ensure alignment.

Resource & Equipment Management

• Manage inventory of materials (pipe, steel, and components).
• Oversee preventive maintenance, calibration, and condition of shop equipment and vehicles.
• Coordinate material deliveries and subcontracted services.
• Recommend equipment upgrades and capital purchases.

Performance & Reporting

• Communicate fabrication status to stakeholders.
• Track productivity, costs, and key performance metrics.
• Maintain production records and implement continuous improvements.
• Provide input on staffing, training, and equipment needs during operations reviews.

Logistics Oversight

• Manage the Logistics department and its personnel.
• Oversee all assigned capital equipment, vehicles, tools, and inventory.
• Approve all logistics-related invoices.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Minimum 5 years of fabrication management experience (pipe and structural steel).
• Strong understanding of pipe spool fabrication, from isometric generation through shipment.
• Experience with fabrication tracking systems (progress, labor hours, etc.).
• Knowledge of modern fabrication techniques, equipment, and workflow optimization.
• Ability to manage labor allocation and productivity across multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience developing labor budgets and productivity metrics.
• Proficiency in fabrication and welding processes for carbon steel, stainless steel, and specialty alloys (e.g., Inconel, Hastelloy, AL6XN).
• Ability to read and interpret isometrics and fabrication drawings (P&IDs a plus).
• Software proficiency:
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Pipe fabrication and spooling software
• Familiarity with Navisworks, BIM360, or similar tools
• Knowledge of applicable codes (ASME B31.3, AWS D1.1; BPE preferred).
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Employment Requirements

• Onsite presence required; limited remote work availability.
• Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM; additional hours as needed.
• OSHA 30 certification required within 90 days (training provided by InServ).

Desired Attributes

• Highly organized and results-driven leader.
• Strong focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Proactive problem-solver who overcomes challenges effectively.
• Adaptable and capable of managing shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Founded in 1992, InServ is a full-service industrial contractor serving the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and food and beverage sectors. We specialize in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation, hygienic piping and HVAC trades. Operating from multiple locations across North Carolina, we serve clients throughout the Southeast. Our success is built on an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and schedule adherence.

InServ is proud to be equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.