Fabrications and Welding Manager

January 2026 start

Location: UK – Multi‑Site (Travel Required)

About the Role

A dynamic and experienced Fabrications and Welding Manager to lead end‑to‑end fabrication and welding operations for containers required for the Collection operation and associated heavy steel waste management equipment. Operating across multiple UK locations, the role ensures consistent delivery of high‑quality, cost‑effective and safe fabrication processes. This hands‑on leadership position requires deep knowledge of heavy‑gauge carbon steel welding, fabrication standards, production planning and workforce development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all fabrication and welding activities across UK sites specialising in skip and RoRo container repairs and manufacture.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for welding and fabrication that meet industry and customer‑specific standards.
• Ensure consistent compliance with quality benchmarks, including welding standards (BS EN ISO 9606, BS EN 1090) and in‑house dimensional/strength specifications.
• Ensure rigorous on‑site risk assessments are carried out for all fabrication and welding activities, with appropriate safety measures implemented.
• Implement structured production schedules to meet delivery commitments while optimising resource use, minimising waste and reducing rework.
• Provide hands‑on leadership to site supervisors, welders and fabrication staff – ensuring alignment with company expectations on quality, output and safety.
• Drive continuous improvement through structured problem‑solving, root‑cause analysis and lean manufacturing principles.
• Lead internal project delivery for new product variants, custom builds or production facility upgrades.
• Engage directly with key stakeholders (e.g. sales, design, quality, clients and suppliers) to align operational capability with commercial requirements.
• Manage multi‑site staffing plans, skills development, recruitment and performance management.
• Maintain and enforce rigorous health and safety policies in line with UK legislation and industry best practices.
• Ensure all lifting operations and working at height activities comply with LOLER regulations and relevant safety protocols.
• Evaluate investment opportunities in tooling, jigs, robotics and automation to improve throughput and competitiveness.
• Oversee the management and traceability of all materials, including serial‑number tracking, batch control and proper documentation across sites.
• Manage stock control of raw materials, consumables and components to ensure availability and cost efficiency across all sites.
• Support costing, tendering and delivery tracking for both standard and bespoke fabrication projects.
• Ensure compliance with COSHH regulations regarding the use and storage of hazardous substances, including paints and chemical products used in fabrication.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum five years’ experience in a senior fabrication/welding management role, ideally within skip, RoRo, heavy steel or structural steel manufacturing.
• Strong technical understanding of carbon steel fabrication, MIG welding and thicknesses typically used in waste container manufacture (e.g. 3–10 mm steel plate).
• Recognised vocational qualification in welding or fabrication (e.g. NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds or equivalent).
• Experience leading teams across multiple locations and coordinating production workflows.
• Demonstrable project management experience – able to manage timelines, costs and resource plans.
• Familiarity with relevant welding codes and standards (e.g. BS EN 1090, BS EN ISO 9606‑1).
• Highly structured and process‑driven approach to planning, execution and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills – both on the shop floor and at senior level.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel to fabrication sites.

Desirable

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering.
• Welding inspector qualifications (e.g. CSWIP 3.0 or 3.1).
• Experience in lean manufacturing, 5S or Six Sigma environments.
• ERP/MRP system experience.
• Experience implementing or auditing to ISO 9001 or ISO 3834.
• Exposure to business development or entrepreneurial activities such as new product introduction, client engagement or process automation initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Decisive, structured and results‑oriented.
• Entrepreneurial thinker – able to spot opportunities for improvement, innovation or value‑add.
• Practical and hands‑on leader with credibility on the shop floor.
• Strong commercial awareness and customer‑focused approach.
• Capable of influencing internal and external stakeholders.
• Resilient, adaptable and calm under pressure.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Company car or allowance.
• Performance‑related bonus.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme.
• Career development opportunities in a growing business.
• A collaborative team culture committed to quality and innovation.

About Us

Panda has been growing and acquiring businesses for over 30 years, building a group of almost 3000 people who share a vision and set of values. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our people and partners, delivering partners’ resources responsibly and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Our philosophy balances customer satisfaction with environmentally sustainable practices, and we are dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities.

Panda aims to attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce that best represents the talent available in the communities in which our assets are located and our employees reside. (DE&I Policy Statement).

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