About this role
About the Company
Our client is a highly respected, growth-oriented construction and specialty contracting organization with a strong reputation across the Midwest. Known for operational excellence, innovation, and long-term customer partnerships, the company continues to invest in its fabrication and manufacturing capabilities as a key differentiator in the market. With multiple fabrication facilities and a forward-looking leadership team, this organization is focused on scaling standardized, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing processes to support continued growth.
About the Position
The Director of Fabrication – Piping & Sheet Metal is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall strategy, performance, and future evolution of the company’s fabrication operations. This position oversees pipe and sheet metal fabrication, R&D initiatives, and technical support functions across multiple locations. The position reports directly to the President.
This leader will be less focused on day-to-day production and more focused on overall strategy, process design, and standardization across facilities. The Director will evaluate current-state operations, optimize shop capacity and equipment utilization, and build scalable manufacturing models aligned with industry best practices and peer-group leaders.
In addition, the Director will identify and develop new manufacturing opportunities, strengthen external partnerships with customers and vendors, and help position the organization for long-term growth through advanced fabrication and manufacturing capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for all fabrication operations, including pipe and sheet metal production, R&D, and technical support
- Standardize fabrication and manufacturing processes across multiple locations
- Optimize shop capacity, scheduling forecasts, material inventory, and equipment utilization
- Develop and execute a long-term fabrication and manufacturing roadmap aligned with business growth goals
- Evaluate and implement manufacturing best practices, including Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
- Identify scalable product and manufacturing opportunities beyond traditional fabrication
- Build strong relationships with customers, industry peers, and vendors to enhance fabrication capabilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams while driving a culture of continuous improvement
Requirements
- 10+ years of fabrication or manufacturing process experience, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role
- Strong background in sheet metal and/or pipefitting/plumbing
- Proven ability to build teams and lead through influence and change
- Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience developing and executing process and product roadmaps
- Solid understanding of project management systems, cost analysis, scheduling, and documentation control
- Ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously
- Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving, relationship management, and change management skills
- Professional, self-motivated, and collaborative leader capable of working independently
Benefits
- Competitive base salary ($160K–$170K)
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision
- Company vehicle
- Opportunity to shape and lead a critical function within a growing organization
Other facts
About Kimmel & Associates
Kimmel & Associates was formed in 1981 with the goal of providing service-oriented executive search to a group of specialized industries. Since then, we have become the largest industry-specific executive search firm in North America. For more than 40 years, we have been committed to exceeding expectations and providing unparalleled service through dedication, honesty, and stewardship—it’s the Kimmel Standard. Here are the industries we serve: construction (all sectors), renewable & sustainable infrastructure, supply chain, waste & recycling, and automotive.
An Unmatched Commitment to Service
Kimmel & Associates was founded on the principle of serving. We believe that helping people and companies to prosper is our calling, and we are certain that helping companies attract the right people at the right time is how we can serve best. Kimmel employees follow this calling in the community as well, through our Kimmel Goodwill Program, our in-house volunteer network.
Why Kimmel?
Kimmel & Associates has been recognized as the industry leader in executive search for the industries we serve. We partner with clients to become their agents and advocates in the marketplace. We know the right job at the right time changes a candidate’s future, and the right candidate at the right time changes a company’s future. We’ve helped thousands of professionals grow their careers. We recruit. We really recruit.
Experience the Kimmel Difference in Executive Recruiting Today
*Named America's Top 10 "Best Management Consulting Firms"
Forbes, 2016
What you'll do
- The Director of Fabrication is responsible for the overall strategy and performance of the company's fabrication operations, overseeing pipe and sheet metal fabrication, R&D initiatives, and technical support. This role focuses on optimizing operations and building scalable manufacturing models aligned with industry best practices.
Ready to join Kimmel & Associates?
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