Shop Floor Lead
Advanced Aquarium Technologies · Houston, TX
Apply & track with Apply EdgeShop Floor Lead
Our work combines specialized fabrication, construction, engineering, and project coordination to deliver unique projects for clients across the United States and beyond.We are seeking an experienced and dependable Shop Floor Lead to oversee daily shop floor operations and lead our production team. This is a hands-on leadership position for an individual with solid construction experience, proven leadership skills, and a demonstrated ability to meet production schedules and deadlines.The successful candidate will be responsible for assigning daily work, coordinating team activities, monitoring production progress, maintaining quality and safety standards, and ensuring work is completed accurately and on schedule.Position SummaryThe Shop Floor Lead is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and supervision of shop floor activities, ensuring employees have clear priorities, materials and equipment are available, and production goals are met.This position serves as the key link between management and shop floor personnel and is responsible for translating project priorities into daily production activities. The Shop Floor Lead must be able to effectively lead a team, identify potential delays or issues, solve problems quickly, and take ownership of meeting production schedules and deadlines.This is a hands-on working leadership position that requires an individual who is comfortable leading from the floor, working alongside the team when needed, and holding themselves and others accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and deadlines.Key ResponsibilitiesProduction & Shop Floor LeadershipOversee daily shop floor operations and production activities.Assign daily tasks and establish priorities based on project schedules and production requirements.Monitor production progress to ensure work remains on schedule and production deadlines are consistently met.Coordinate multiple work activities and adjust priorities as project needs change.Identify potential delays, bottlenecks, staffing issues, or material shortages before they impact production.Take immediate action to resolve routine production issues and escalate significant issues to management.Work alongside shop personnel when necessary to support production and maintain schedules.Maintain an organized, efficient, and productive shop floor.Team Leadership & SupervisionProvide daily leadership, direction, and support to shop floor employees.Lead daily briefings, toolbox talks, and work assignments.Clearly communicate production priorities, expectations, deadlines, and schedule changes.Monitor employee attendance, productivity, performance, and work quality.Coach employees and provide guidance to improve performance and productivity.Train new employees on shop processes, equipment, work practices, and safety requirements.Lead by example and promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and safety.Address routine performance or operational concerns and communicate significant issues to management.Construction & Production OversightApply practical construction experience and knowledge to daily shop operations.Coordinate fabrication, assembly, preparation, and other production activities.Ensure work is completed according to drawings, specifications, project requirements, and company standards.Monitor production against established schedules and communicate progress to management.Review upcoming work and help prepare the team, materials, tools, and equipment needed to meet production requirements.Troubleshoot production issues and coordinate solutions with management and project personnel.Work closely with Project Management and other departments to support project schedules.Materials & EquipmentEnsure required materials, tools, and equipment are available for scheduled work.Coordinate the receiving, organization, storage, and issuing of shop materials.Monitor material availability and communicate shortages or replenishment needs.Help prevent material damage, loss, waste, or misplacement.Ensure tools and equipment are properly maintained and safely used.Assist with inventory counts and material audits as needed.Safety & ComplianceEnforce company safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices.Ensure employees properly use required PPE and equipment.Conduct routine shop safety inspections and identify potential hazards.Lead toolbox talks and safety discussions.Ensure unsafe conditions, incidents, and hazards are promptly reported.Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture throughout the shop.Lead by example in following all company safety requirements.Quality ControlInspect completed and in-process work for quality, accuracy, and workmanship.Ensure work meets drawings, specifications, project requirements, and company standards.Identify defects, errors, or incomplete work and coordinate corrective action.Address rework promptly to minimize production delays.Help reduce material waste, production errors, and unnecessary rework.Maintain required production and quality documentation.Process ImprovementIdentify inefficiencies and opportunities to improve shop floor productivity.Recommend improvements to workflow, shop organization, equipment, and work methods.Assist management with implementing process improvements.Help establish efficient work practices that improve productivity while maintaining safety and quality.Communication & CoordinationServe as the primary communication link between management and shop floor personnel.Provide management with regular updates regarding production progress, staffing, material needs, quality concerns, and potential delays.Coordinate with Project Management, Procurement, Logistics, and other departments as necessary.Communicate project priorities and schedule requirements to the shop team.Immediately communicate issues that may affect safety, quality, cost, or project deadlines.Required Qualifications & ExperienceAt least 3-5 years of construction experience required.Demonstrated experience working in a construction, fabrication, manufacturing, production, or skilled-trade environment.Proven leadership experience with the ability to effectively lead, direct, and motivate a team.Demonstrated ability to organize work, manage priorities, and consistently meet production schedules and deadlines.Strong understanding of construction and/or shop floor production processes.Ability to read and understand drawings, plans, specifications, and work instructions.Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.Strong understanding of workplace safety practices and PPE requirements.Ability to work effectively in a hands-on production environment.Preferred QualificationsExperience as a Construction Foreman, Shop Foreman, Production Lead, Fabrication Lead, Shop Supervisor, or similar leadership position.Experience supervising construction or fabrication crews.Experience working from technical drawings and project specifications.Experience coordinating production schedules and deadlines.Experience in specialty construction, custom fabrication, manufacturing, or project-based production.OSHA or other applicable safety training/certifications.Forklift or other industrial equipment certifications.EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent required.Basic math skills required.Additional technical, construction, fabrication, or trade-related education is a plus.Physical RequirementsThe Shop Floor Lead is a hands-on position and must be able to perform physical activities associated with a manufacturing and shop environment.Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds.Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.Ability to bend, reach, climb, and perform repetitive tasks as required.Ability to safely work in a manufacturing/shop environment with noise, dust, machinery, tools, and materials.Ability to safely operate or learn to operate industrial equipment.Ability to wear required PPE while performing job duties.Work EnvironmentFull-time, on-site position in Houston, Texas.Primarily based in a shop and warehouse environment.Work may involve exposure to noise, dust, machinery, tools, materials, and active production activities.Must maintain a safe and organized work environment.Overtime may be required based on production and project needs, including occasional weekends.Work ScheduleMonday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PMOvertime may be required based on production demands, project schedules, and business needs, including occasional weekend work.What We're Looking ForWe are looking for a strong construction leader who knows how to get work done, lead a team, and meet deadlines.The ideal candidate understands that successful production requires more than simply assigning tasks. They must be able to plan the day's work, recognize potential problems before they become delays, hold employees accountable, adjust priorities when necessary, and step in to help when the team needs additional support.The right candidate will bring solid construction experience, strong leadership skills, sound judgment, and a demonstrated ability to deliver quality work safely, efficiently, and on schedule.If you are an experienced construction or shop leader who takes ownership of production, holds high standards for quality and safety, and enjoys working in a hands-on environment, we would like to hear from you.Compensation & BenefitsCompensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience.Benefits may include:Paid time offMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k)Company-sponsored benefits and employee support programsBenefits and eligibility are subject to applicable company policies and plan requirements.Equal Opportunity EmployerAdvanced Aquarium Technologies is committed to providing a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, business needs, and other lawful considerations.