Workshop Manager for HVAC Ducting and Steel Fabrication

Our client is seeking an experienced, hands-on Workshop Manager to take ownership of a busy HVAC ducting and steel fabrication workshop in Montagu Gardens, Cape Town. This is a key operational leadership role for someone who understands fabrication, production planning and workshop management, and who is passionate about improving productivity, quality, delivery and team performance.

• Plan, schedule and oversee daily workshop operations across HVAC ducting fabrication (spiral, rectangular, fittings) and structural steel fabrication.
• Identify and eliminate waste, rework and downtime through lean manufacturing principles.
• Set, communicate and enforce quality standards, ensuring compliance with relevant codes like SMACNA or DW144 and welding standards.
• Lead, mentor and performance manage workshop supervisors, fabricators, welders and general staff.
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, conduct toolbox talks and risk assessments.
• Oversee maintenance schedules for equipment like guillotines, folders, rollers, plasma or laser cutters and welding equipment.
• Monitor workshop costs, labour hours and material usage against budget, and report to senior management.

Application note: Interested candidates should apply through the PNet portal using the link provided. No application email or reference number is listed.

• Proven experience as a Workshop Manager, Production Manager or Fabrication Shop Supervisor within HVAC ducting, sheet metal or structural steel fabrication.
• Strong technical knowledge of ducting fabrication processes and/or steel fabrication and welding methods.
• Demonstrated track record of improving workshop efficiency, throughput or quality standards.
• Solid people management experience leading, developing and holding fabrication teams accountable.
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements in a fabrication or workshop environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with a bias toward action.
• Formal qualification in mechanical or production engineering, trade certification (boilermaker, sheet metal worker, welder), or equivalent experience is desirable.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing, 5S or continuous improvement methodologies is advantageous.
• Experience with production planning or ERP systems is a plus.

• Plan, schedule and oversee daily workshop operations for HVAC ducting and steel fabrication projects.
• Allocate labour, machinery and materials to meet production schedules and customer deadlines.
• Monitor job progress and resolve bottlenecks proactively.
• Coordinate with estimating, design, procurement and site teams for smooth handoffs.
• Drive efficiency by eliminating waste, rework and downtime using lean principles.
• Optimise workshop layout, workflow sequencing and machine utilisation.
• Track key production metrics and report on performance.
• Set and enforce quality standards, implementing quality control checkpoints.
• Reduce defects and customer complaints through disciplined process control.
• Lead, mentor and performance manage workshop staff, building a skills matrix and driving upskilling.
• Manage rosters, overtime and resource planning.
• Ensure health and safety compliance, conduct risk assessments and incident investigations.
• Maintain a clean and organised workshop using 5S or similar methodology.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and manage inventory of materials and tooling.
• Monitor costs and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Support quoting and estimating teams with accurate production time and cost data.