About this role
Weld Production Manager
Job Summary
At Big Tex Trailers, the Weld Production Manager will be responsible for leading and managing all welding and fabrication operations while driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the weld department, ensuring trailers are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. The Weld Production Manager oversees all aspects of weld production, including workforce performance, production planning, quality execution, resource utilization, and process improvement, while partnering closely with the Plant Manager and cross-functional leaders to achieve business objectives.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead all welding and fabrication operations to meet production schedules, customer demand, and operational goals.
- Ensure welding equipment, processes, and procedures are standardized and operating effectively, including verification of machine settings, gas mixes, consumables, grounding, leads, guns, and overall weld system performance.
- Lead troubleshooting and resolution of welding process and equipment issues while partnering with Maintenance and Quality to minimize downtime and ensure weld integrity.
- Oversee weld quality systems, including review of prints, weld maps, weld procedure compliance, weld integrity testing, and adherence to established manufacturing standards.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to welding personnel while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure all welding activities meet engineering specifications, weld procedures, customer requirements, and company quality standards.
- Monitor production performance and analyze key metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and operational excellence.
- Partner with Materials, Quality, Maintenance, and Distribution leadership to achieve plant objectives related to production flow, material availability, product quality, on-time delivery, and labor efficiency, including management and improvement of Heads per Trailer (HPT) performance.
- Lead investigations and root cause analysis efforts related to production, quality, safety, and equipment concerns.
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, OSHA regulations, safety requirements, and PPE standards.
- Promote a culture where safety is a core value and employee engagement is encouraged.
- Support staffing, workforce planning, employee relations, training, and talent development initiatives.
- Maintain accurate production records, performance reporting, and departmental documentation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of 7 years of welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
- Strong knowledge of welding processes, fabrication techniques, metallurgy, and trailer manufacturing operations.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
- Experience managing production operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of production planning, labor management, and operational metrics.
- Proven ability to develop employees and build high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing reporting systems.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, welding fumes, heat, vibration, and varying temperatures.
- Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.