At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a fabrication workshop, managing projects, resources, and client relationships.
- Company: Established specialist in structural and architectural metalwork with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, health cash plan, and career development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for progression to general manager within a supportive engineering group.
- Why this job: Gain autonomy in a respected business with real impact and growth potential.
- Qualifications: Experience in steel fabrication, management, estimating, and customer relationship skills.
Are you a hands-on fabrication leader ready to take full ownership of a workshop and its commercial performance?
We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established specialist in structural and architectural metalwork, supplying high-quality fabricated steelwork to the construction industry across the UK.
The business has a strong reputation with long-standing clients and is entering an exciting phase of growth - and they need a Works/Operations Manager to drive it.
This is a genuine "run the business" role with pathway to general manager for the right person.
You'll lead a small, close-knit workshop team while owning the P&L, managing client relationships, estimating new works, and shaping the site's long-term direction.
The Role
- Day-to-day management of the fabrication workshop, delivering projects to time, budget, and quality
- Manage production schedules, allocate resources, and oversee quality control
- Line management of a small team (currently 5 workshop operatives and 1 administrator), including motivation, performance, training, and development
- Act as the primary point of contact for existing and new clients, building relationships and generating repeat business
- Lead on estimating and quoting for new works, supported by group colleagues where needed
- Full ownership of P&L, with responsibility for strategic planning and business development
- Work closely with the group finance team on monthly reporting, invoicing, and financial controls
- Lead the integration of the group's accounting and project management systems into the business
- What You'll Need
- Solid steel fabrication knowledge, with a practical understanding of fabrication processes and standards
- Previous supervisory or management experience in a workshop or engineering environment
- Estimating experience, including preparation of quotations and commercial offers
- Strong customer relationship management skills, with a professional and proactive approach
- Experience implementing new IT or accounting systems into small businesses, with the ability to bring others along with the change
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop small teams
- Strong commercial acumen - a real understanding of costs, margins, and financial controls
- A self-starter mindset: able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and drive improvement
- What's On Offer
- £55,000 – £60,000 (dependent on experience)
- 25 days + Bank Holidays
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Progression and development opportunities
- World Class CPD
This is a rare opportunity to step into a role with genuine autonomy - leading a respected fabrication business day-to-day with the backing and resources of a larger engineering group behind you.
Interested? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation
Works Manager - Fabrication in Leeds employer: Cubed Resourcing
Cubed Resourcing is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture in Baildon that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and a competitive compensation package, ensuring our team members feel valued and supported in their roles. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that prioritises meaningful contributions to product launch and process optimisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Works Manager - Fabrication in Leeds
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Cubed Resourcing, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Works Manager - Fabrication at Cubed Resourcing.
We think you need these skills to ace Works Manager - Fabrication in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cubed Resourcing
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!