Works Manager - Fabrication
19 days ago
Leeds
Are you a hands-on fabrication leader ready to take full ownership of a workshop and its commercial performance? We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established specialist in structural and architectural metalwork, supplying high-quality fabricated steelwork to the construction industry across the UK. The business has a strong reputation with long-standing clients and is entering an exciting phase of growth - and they need a Works/Operations Manager to drive it. This is a genuine "run the business" role with pathway to general manager for the right person. You'll lead a small, close-knit workshop team while owning the P&L, managing client relationships, estimating new works, and shaping the site's long-term direction. The Role • Day-to-day management of the fabrication workshop, delivering projects to time, budget, and quality, • Manage production schedules, allocate resources, and oversee quality control, • Line management of a small team (currently 5 workshop operatives and 1 administrator), including motivation, performance, training, and development, • Act as the primary point of contact for existing and new clients, building relationships and generating repeat business, • Lead on estimating and quoting for new works, supported by group colleagues where needed, • Full ownership of P&L, with responsibility for strategic planning and business development, • Work closely with the group finance team on monthly reporting, invoicing, and financial controls, • Lead the integration of the group's accounting and project management systems into the business What You'll Need • Solid steel fabrication knowledge, with a practical understanding of fabrication processes and standards, • Previous supervisory or management experience in a workshop or engineering environment, • Estimating experience, including preparation of quotations and commercial offers, • Strong customer relationship management skills, with a professional and proactive approach, • Experience implementing new IT or accounting systems into small businesses, with the ability to bring others along with the change, • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop small teams, • Strong commercial acumen - a real understanding of costs, margins, and financial controls, • A self-starter mindset: able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and drive improvement What's On Offer • £55,000 – £60,000 (dependent on experience), • 25 days + Bank Holidays, • Enhanced pension scheme, • Health Cash Plan, • Progression and development opportunities, • World Class CPD This is a rare opportunity to step into a role with genuine autonomy - leading a respected fabrication business day-to-day with the backing and resources of a larger engineering group behind you. Interested? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation