Steel VP of Operations

Vice President of Operations – Structural Steel Fabrication

We are seeking an experienced Vice President of Operations to lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of a growing structural steel fabrication organization. This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving operational excellence across fabrication, production, project execution, quality, safety, and workforce development.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in structural steel fabrication and the leadership experience necessary to manage multiple departments, improve processes, develop teams, and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and profitably.

This individual will work closely with executive leadership, project management, estimating, engineering, detailing, and field operations to establish a cohesive, high-performing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all structural steel fabrication and production operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, safety, and on-time delivery.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, manpower, equipment utilization, and shop capacity.
• Partner with Estimating, Engineering, Project Management, and Field Operations to drive seamless project execution.
• Improve operational processes, increase productivity, and enhance profitability through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage labor, equipment, and production costs while tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead and develop managers, supervisors, and production teams, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Oversee quality control, OSHA compliance, and industry standards across all operations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, capital investments, and long-term growth strategy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in structural steel fabrication, with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Previous experience in a VP of Operations, Director of Operations, General Manager, Plant Manager, or similar senior leadership role.
• Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication processes, including cutting, drilling, fitting, welding, finishing, material handling, and shipping.
• Experience managing large fabrication teams and multiple production departments.
• Strong understanding of project flow from estimating and detailing through fabrication, delivery, and erection.
• Proven experience improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing profitability.
• Strong knowledge of shop scheduling, labor planning, capacity management, and production metrics.
• Experience managing budgets, financial performance, and operational KPIs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, Operations, or a related field.
• Experience with AISC-certified structural steel fabrication operations.
• Familiarity with fabrication software, ERP/MRP systems, and production management technology.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of AWS, AISC, OSHA, and structural steel industry standards.
• Experience overseeing both structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabrication.
• Experience leading organizational growth, facility expansion, or major capital investment initiatives.

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.