Fabrication Team Lead
13 August, 2026
- Canterbury
- Permanent / Full Time
Fabrication
Leadership
Quality
Metalworld is a well-established fabrication business delivering high-quality, bespoke metal solutions across both public and private sectors. With a strong reputation for innovation and continuous improvement, they are now seeking a Fabrication Team Lead to take ownership of workshop performance and delivery.
This is a predominantly leadership and management role, with an approximate 80/20 split:
- 80% leadership, planning, quality assurance and performance management
- 20% hands‑on support with welding, fabrication and assembly as required
You’ll lead a team of six to eight while remaining hands‑on in delivering high‑quality fabrication outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Performance
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing fabrication team
- Drive accountability, productivity, and continuous improvement
- Monitor team output and report on productivity and KPIs
- Plan and allocate daily work across fabrication staff and apprentices
Hands‑on Fabrication
- Perform MIG & TIG welding across a variety of projects
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
- Support complex fabrication, layout, and assembly work
- Identify and implement productivity and workflow improvements
Quality & Safety
- Ensure all work meets engineering specifications and QA standards
- Conduct weld inspections and minimise rework and defects
- Lead a strong H&S culture, ensuring full compliance across the team
- Support ISO‑aligned quality processes and continuous improvement
What You’ll Bring
- 10+ years’ experience in sheet metal fabrication (steel and aluminium)
- A relevant trade qualification (Level 4 or higher preferred)
- Strong experience leading teams in a workshop environment
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings confidently
- Solid understanding of fabrication processes, machinery, and workflows
- Experience using ERP systems and workshop reporting tools (or similar)
What Sets You Apart
- A natural leader who enjoys coaching and developing others
- Highly organized with strong planning and time management skills
- Practical, solutions-focused, and calm under pressure
- Strong communicator who builds credibility with their team
- Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Why Metalworld?
- Well-regarded, locally owned fabrication business
- Diverse, interesting project work across multiple sectors
- Supportive team culture with a focus on respect, safety, and innovation
- Opportunity to shape team performance and workshop standards
- Stable, permanent full-time role in Sydenham, Christchurch
To be considered for this role you need to have either New Zealand citizenship or residency.
Please contact Rob Malpass, EQ Consultants, on 021 225 3899 for a confidential discussion.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabrication Team Lead 13 August, 2026 • Canterbury • Permanent / Full Time
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to EQ Consultants specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Consultants
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with EQ Consultants, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like EQ Consultants value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
