Production Manager

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Industry: Heavy Industrial Manufacturing (Large Steel Fabrication & Engineered Equipment)

This organization is a heavy‑industrial manufacturer specializing in large, custom‑engineered steel products used in critical power‑infrastructure and industrial applications. The company designs and fabricates robust enclosures, structural steel assemblies, and specialized fluid‑handling components used across commercial, institutional, and industrial markets. Its in‑house engineering and fabrication teams produce high‑reliability solutions where safety, durability, and quality are essential.

The Production Manager oversees all daily manufacturing operations within a high‑mix, project‑driven fabrication environment. This role leads teams responsible for welding, metal fabrication, assembly, finishing, and testing while ensuring products meet stringent structural, environmental, and safety standards. The ideal candidate has experience in large‑scale steel fabrication and thrives in a culture that values craftsmanship, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Direct end‑to‑end production operations for custom steel enclosures, heavy industrial assemblies, and fluid‑system components.
• Oversee welding, cutting, forming, finishing, and mechanical assembly functions.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to ensure on‑time delivery for project‑based manufacturing.
• Ensure efficient use of materials, equipment, and labor across the facility.

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture consistent with heavy‑manufacturing environments.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable workplace safety regulations and internal safety policies.
• Maintain safe operation of fabrication machinery, material handling equipment, and industrial tools.

• Ensure products meet strict structural, performance, and environmental standards.
• Implement in‑process inspections, final audits, and continuous quality improvements.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to reduce rework, increase consistency, and improve manufacturability.

• Lead skilled trades personnel, including welders, fabricators, assemblers, and technicians.
• Train and mentor team members, support skills development, and maintain a positive, collaborative environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support workforce planning and staffing.

• Implement lean manufacturing practices, 5S, and process optimization initiatives.
• Identify bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies; drive corrective actions.
• Support facility layout improvements to enhance flow and productivity.

• Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Project Management, and Sales to align production with technical requirements and delivery commitments.
• Participate in project reviews, production planning meetings, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Provide manufacturability feedback during engineering and design phases.

• 5+ years of experience in production or operations management in heavy manufacturing or large‑scale metal fabrication.
• Strong knowledge of welding, structural steel fabrication, and industrial finishing processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, fabrication blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing skilled trades.
• Knowledge of workplace safety standards and industrial compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, planning, and problem‑solving ability.

• Experience with project‑based manufacturing or custom‑engineered products.
• Exposure to large industrial enclosures, equipment housings, or fluid‑handling systems.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous‑improvement training.
• Experience collaborating with engineering teams on design‑for‑manufacture improvements.

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• A strong safety‑first culture
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing industrial manufacturing operation
• The ability to contribute to essential infrastructure projects across multiple sectors