Plant Operations Manager (Structural Steel Fabrication)

Job Title: Plant Operations Manager (Structural Steel Fabrication)

Location: Greater St. Louis, MO

Compensation: $160,000 – $190,000

Benefits:

• Performance-based bonus
• Medical, dental, vision insurance coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off / holidays
• Relocation assistance available

Company Overview:

Tiello has partnered with a well-established AISC-Certified Structural Steel Fabricator on their search for a Plant Manager in the Greater St. Louis area. This organization supports some of the most complex structural steel fabrication projects in the country, including bridges, stadiums, heavy industrial facilities, transportation infrastructure, and federal projects.

Role Summary:

The Plant Operations Manager will oversee day-to-day fabrication operations across multiple production shifts while providing leadership to Production Managers, Safety personnel, and Quality personnel. This individual will be responsible for driving fabrication efficiency, workforce performance, safety initiatives, quality standards, scheduling, and overall plant performance.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong structural steel fabrication background, experience leading union workforces, and a proven track record managing complex fabrication projects. Exposure to structural steel erection and field operations is highly desirable, as it provides valuable perspective on downstream project execution and constructability. This individual will report directly to the Steel Market Division Manager and play a key leadership role in the continued growth and success of the operation.

Project Type:

Structural Steel Fabrication, Bridges, Stadiums, Transportation Infrastructure, Industrial Facilities, Federal Projects, and USACE Projects

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for structural steel fabrication operations
• Oversee Production Managers, Safety personnel, Quality personnel, and fabrication teams
• Manage plant operations across first and second shifts, with occasional oversight of third-shift production during peak workload periods
• Drive a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company safety programs and industry regulations
• Champion quality initiatives and maintain adherence to AISC, AWS, customer, and project-specific quality requirements
• Develop and execute production plans that support project schedules, fabrication sequencing, and resource allocation
• Monitor fabrication productivity, labor utilization, shop throughput, and operational performance metrics
• Collaborate with project management, detailing, engineering, procurement, and field teams to ensure successful project execution
• Support planning efforts related to manpower, equipment utilization, workflow optimization, and production forecasting
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability
• Assist with workforce development, mentoring, succession planning, and leadership growth initiatives
• Ensure successful execution of complex bridge, stadium, industrial, and federal fabrication projects
• Support customer visits, audits, inspections, and quality reviews as necessary
• Drive accountability and communication across all levels of the fabrication operation

Qualifications / Requirements:

• 10+ years of structural steel fabrication experience
• 5+ years of leadership experience within fabrication, manufacturing, operations, or production management environments
• Experience managing union fabrication workforces preferred
• Experience supporting large-scale structural steel projects including bridges, stadiums, transportation infrastructure, industrial facilities, or similar complex fabrication projects
• Background with USACE, federal, DOT, or government-funded projects preferred
• Strong understanding of fabrication operations, shop workflow, production planning, and scheduling
• Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing production, safety, and quality teams
• Field erection experience strongly preferred
• Experience working within AISC-certified fabrication environments
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification preferred but not required
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent industry experience
• Eligibility to work in the U.S.

Legal & EEO Language:

Tiello LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law

Your Right to Work:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.