Duct Shop Foreman

Position Overview

Triad Mechanical Contractors is seeking an experienced, organized, and motivated Sheet Metal Fabrication Shop Manager / Foreman to oversee the daily operations of our HVAC sheet metal fabrication shop.

This position is responsible for managing the complete fabrication process, from receiving and processing field orders to coordinating production, supervising shop personnel, maintaining inventory, and monitoring fabrication costs.

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of commercial HVAC ductwork fabrication, experience with Autodesk CAMduct and BIM-related workflows, and the leadership skills necessary to manage a team of approximately 5–10 shop employees.

This is a hands-on management position requiring a combination of technical knowledge, computer proficiency, production planning, and shop-floor leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Shop Operations & Production Management

• Oversee daily operations of the sheet metal fabrication shop, including production scheduling, workflow coordination, and quality control.
• Manage and supervise approximately 5–10 fabrication shop employees.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign fabrication work based on project schedules, field requirements, and delivery deadlines.
• Monitor production progress to ensure orders are completed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Coordinate shop resources, equipment, materials, and manpower to maximize productivity.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, fabrication issues, and scheduling conflicts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, productive, and safe working environment.

Field Orders, CAMduct & BIM Coordination

• Receive, review, and process fabrication orders submitted by field supervisors, project managers, and installation crews.
• Enter fabrication orders and ductwork information into Autodesk Fabrication CAMduct for production.
• Review BIM models, fabrication drawings, and field measurements to ensure accurate fabrication requirements.
• Verify duct dimensions, quantities, fittings, materials, gauges, and fabrication specifications before releasing orders to production.
• Generate fabrication reports, cut lists, labels, and production documentation as required.
• Coordinate with field personnel and BIM/detailing teams to resolve discrepancies or missing information.
• Maintain organized digital records of fabrication orders, revisions, production status, and completed work.

Inventory & Material Management

• Monitor and maintain inventory levels of sheet metal, fittings, hardware, insulation, and other fabrication supplies.
• Track material usage and inventory movement to maintain accurate stock records.
• Coordinate material purchasing and replenishment with management and vendors.
• Identify opportunities to reduce material waste, excess inventory, and unnecessary purchasing.
• Maintain accurate records of material consumption by project or work order.
• Ensure materials are available to support scheduled production without unnecessary delays.

Job Costing & Production Efficiency

• Track material usage, shop labor hours, and fabrication costs by project.
• Assist management with estimating fabrication costs and evaluating shop productivity.
• Monitor production efficiency and identify opportunities to reduce labor costs and material waste.
• Maintain accurate job costing records and production reports.
• Review actual fabrication costs against estimated or budgeted costs when available.
• Recommend improvements to fabrication methods, workflows, and equipment utilization.

Team Leadership & Quality Control

• Direct, train, and support shop employees in proper fabrication methods, equipment operation, and production procedures.
• Establish daily production goals and communicate priorities to shop personnel.
• Ensure fabricated ductwork and fittings meet project specifications, approved drawings, and company quality standards.
• Enforce workplace safety procedures, proper equipment operation, and company policies.
• Monitor employee performance, productivity, attendance, and overall shop efficiency.
• Assist with training new employees and developing existing team members.

Field Coordination & Deliveries

• Communicate regularly with field supervisors, project managers, and operations management regarding fabrication needs and project schedules.
• Coordinate completed orders for pickup or delivery to jobsites.
• Ensure fabrication orders are properly identified, organized, and staged for shipment.
• Respond to urgent field requests while maintaining an efficient overall production schedule.
• Provide updates regarding order status, anticipated completion dates, and potential delays.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in commercial HVAC sheet metal fabrication and shop operations.
• Strong understanding of rectangular and spiral ductwork, fittings, gauges, fabrication methods, and industry standards.
• Experience with Autodesk Fabrication CAMduct, or comparable computerized duct fabrication software.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, fabrication drawings, shop drawings, and BIM-generated information.
• Previous experience supervising fabrication personnel or leading shop production.
• Strong computer skills and ability to manage digital work orders, spreadsheets, and inventory records.
• Working knowledge of sheet metal fabrication equipment, including plasma tables, coil lines, brakes, shears, and related machinery.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing production priorities.
• Understanding of shop safety procedures and quality control requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or BIM coordination workflows.
• Familiarity with SMACNA standards and commercial HVAC duct construction requirements.
• Experience with inventory management, purchasing, and material tracking systems.
• Experience with job costing, labor tracking, and production reporting.
• Previous experience managing a fabrication shop with 5–10 or more employees.
• Experience improving shop workflow, production efficiency, and material utilization.

Performance Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Maintain an organized and efficient fabrication operation.
• Consistently meet project production schedules and delivery requirements.
• Minimize fabrication errors, rework, and material waste.
• Maintain accurate inventory and job costing information.
• Effectively manage shop personnel and daily production priorities.
• Communicate proactively with field operations and management.
• Identify and implement opportunities for improved productivity and cost control.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of the shop and understands that successful fabrication requires more than simply producing ductwork. This individual must be capable of managing the entire process—from the initial field request through computer entry, production planning, fabrication, quality control, and final delivery.

The right candidate will be equally comfortable working on a computer, coordinating with project teams, and managing employees on the shop floor.

Our goal is to find a dependable leader who can keep the shop organized, production moving, employees accountable, and fabrication costs under control.