Workshop/Fabrication Manager

About Western Australian Fabrication (WAF)

Western Australian Fabrication is a leading Australian structural steel fabrication and engineering company, delivering high-quality fabrication solutions across a range of industries. We are committed to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients.

We are seeking an experienced Workshop Manager to lead our structural steel fabrication workshop and drive operational excellence across safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and people leadership.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the COO, the Workshop Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and day-to-day management of our structural steel fabrication workshop.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring fabrication activities are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and to the highest quality standards. You will work closely with Production Planning, Purchasing, QA/QC, HSE, Drafting, Transport, and Project Teams to deliver successful project outcomes while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Lead and manage all structural steel fabrication workshop operations.
• Plan and allocate labour, equipment, and resources to meet fabrication schedules and project deadlines.
• Monitor workshop capacity and proactively manage workforce requirements.
• Drive productivity, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Lead daily production meetings and weekly toolbox talks.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration between workshop and project teams.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion and maintain a strong Safety First culture.
• Ensure compliance with WHS legislation, company procedures, SWMS, SOPs, and Australian Standards.
• Ensure employees are appropriately trained, competent, and hold the required licences and qualifications.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventative actions.

Quality & Delivery

• Ensure all structural steel fabrication activities comply with customer specifications, engineering drawings, Australian Standards, and quality requirements.
• Drive a Right First Time culture across all fabrication activities.
• Manage quality issues, non-conformances, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors, leading hands, boilermakers, welders, and workshop personnel.
• Manage performance, attendance, capability, and workforce engagement.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives throughout the workshop.
• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication processes, reduce waste, minimise rework, and increase productivity.
• Support the implementation of new systems, processes, and technologies.

About You

You are an experienced and hands-on leader with a strong background in structural steel fabrication, capable of leading teams while driving operational performance, safety, and quality.

Essential

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Workshop Manager or in an equivalent leadership role within a structural steel fabrication environment.
• Trade qualification in Boilermaking, Fabrication, Welding, or an equivalent trade (minimum Certificate III).
• Welding Supervisor or Welding Inspection qualification in accordance with AS 2214 or AS 1796.
• Extensive knowledge of structural steel fabrication, welding processes, and workshop operations.
• Proven experience managing fabrication schedules, labour planning, workshop capacity, and production performance.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, fabrication documentation, and specifications.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, quality systems, and continuous improvement principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• High Risk Work Licences (Forklift, Dogging, and/or Rigging).
• Sound knowledge of AS/NZS 1554, AS 4100, AS/NZS ISO 3834, AS 5131, and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Why Join Eastern States Engineering?

• Join a respected and growing Australian structural steel fabrication business.
• Lead a skilled and dedicated fabrication workshop team.
• Play a key role in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Work alongside an experienced and supportive leadership team.
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on business performance and future growth.

Our Values – CARE

Connect – Build strong relationships and deliver exceptional service.

Accountability – Take ownership and deliver results.

Respect – Treat everyone with dignity and professionalism.

Excellence – Continuously improve and strive for the highest standards.

If you are an experienced Workshop Manager with a passion for structural steel fabrication and operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and become part of the Western Australian Fabrication team.