Shop Manager

We are seeking a dynamic, highly organized and detailed professional to oversee our shop operations. We need an engaged leader who takes initiative, fosters teamwork, and steps up when it counts. This individual will play a key role in the day-to-day logistics and production support, ensuring materials and components are fabricated accurately and on time, while maintaining a clean, efficient, and safe work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Lead and manage all fabrication shop operations, including staff supervision, scheduling, performance management, and hands-on support when needed.
• Production Planning & Scheduling: Plan, schedule, and manage fabrication activities to ensure materials and components are produced accurately, efficiently, and on time to meet project deadlines.
• Quality Control & Accuracy: Establish and enforce quality standards to ensure all fabricated products meet job specifications, drawings, and company requirements.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment through regular inspections, training, and enforcement of safety procedures and regulations.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with leadership, project managers, superintendents, and field teams to align shop production with jobsite needs and schedules.
• Inventory & Material Management: Oversee material ordering, tracking, storage, and inventory levels to ensure fabrication readiness while minimizing waste and downtime.
• Mechanical Knowledge: Apply advanced knowledge of HVAC and sheet metal systems to guide fabrication processes, troubleshoot issues, and develop improved methods and procedures.
• Equipment & Facility Maintenance: Ensure all shop tools, machinery, and facilities are properly maintained, serviced, and repaired to support safe and reliable operations.
• Training & Workforce Development: Train, mentor, and develop fabricators to improve skill levels, safety awareness, and productivity.
• Productivity & Process Improvement: Monitor workflow and labor efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to enhance speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
• Cost & Waste Control: Manage material usage, scrap reduction, and labor resources to support budget and profitability goals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC fabrication, or mechanical shop operations.
• 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role (foreman, lead fabricator, shop supervisor, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of fabrication techniques, materials, and equipment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to operate forklifts, fabrication machinery, and other fabrication tools & equipment.
• Proficient in basic computer systems for inventory tracking, scheduling, and communication.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 75 pounds and comfortable with standing, walking, and bending for extended periods during the workday.

• Driver’s license
• Clean driving record and background check
• Drug testing and Background Check
• Forklift Certification

What We Offer

• Competitive salary starting at $28/hr (depending on experience)
• Comprehensive benefits 
• Relocation assistance
• Consistent, year-round work in all sectors (residential, commercial, and industrial)
• Full autonomy to lead and develop the department
• Superior resources and strong executive support
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Bonus opportunities

About Us

Founded in 2004, Thomas Mechanical & Fire Protection is an independently owned, full-service mechanical contractor focused on delivering turnkey HVAC and fire sprinkler systems to a strong base of commercial and industrial customers. Conveniently located along interstate 385 in Laurens County, South Carolina we service customers throughout the Upstate of South Carolina and neighboring communities. We take pride in delivering exceptional workmanship, design, fabrication, installation, and customer service. As one of the fastest-growing companies in South Carolina, we're fueled by brilliant minds and skilled technicians.