Plant Manager - Structural Steel Fabrication

We are seeking a hands-on Plant Manager to lead daily operations within a custom structural steel fabrication facility generating $5–10 million in annual revenue. This role requires a strong leader who understands the pace, complexity, and variability of a job shop environment and can balance production demands, workforce leadership, and operational efficiency. This role is on site in the Nashville, TN area.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable on the shop floor and in the office, using data to drive decisions while maintaining a visible leadership presence with the team.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production Leadership

• Lead all plant operations including fabrication, welding, fitting, and assembly of structural steel components
• Manage workflow in a high-mix, low-volume job shop environment with shifting priorities
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to quality standards
• Coordinate closely with estimating, engineering, and project management teams

Hands-On Leadership

• Maintain a strong presence on the shop floor, supporting supervisors and crews
• Provide real-time problem solving related to production bottlenecks, labor, and equipment
• Mentor and develop team leads, welders, and fabricators
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase throughput and reduce waste
• Optimize shop layout, material flow, and scheduling practices
• Drive efficiency in cutting, welding, forming, and finishing processes
• Lead lean initiatives appropriate for a custom fabrication environment

Financial & Data-Driven Management

• Manage plant performance against KPIs including labor efficiency, throughput, and margin
• Analyze job costing, production metrics, and operational data to improve profitability
• Partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditures
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to track and improve performance

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all safety programs and OSHA standards are followed
• Promote a proactive safety culture across all levels of the organization
• Maintain compliance with quality and industry standards

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in structural steel fabrication or heavy industrial manufacturing
• Proven leadership experience in a job shop or custom fabrication environment
• Strong understanding of structural steel processes including cutting, fitting, welding, and assembly
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to engage both shop and office teams
• Experience with production scheduling, job costing, and workflow management
• Data-driven mindset with experience using KPIs and ERP systems
• Strong communication and team-building skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a small to mid-sized company environment ($5M–$10M revenue range)
• Background working with AISC standards or similar structural requirements
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
• Familiarity with estimating and project-based manufacturing workflows

Email scott.slater@gogpac.com

Call 515-461-1578

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.