Fabrications and Welding Manager

January 2026 start

Location: UK – Multi-Site (Travel Required)
 
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Fabrications and Welding Manager to lead the end-to-end fabrication and welding operations for the containers required for our Collection operation and associated heavy steel waste management equipment.
Operating across multiple UK locations, you will ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and safe fabrication processes. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep knowledge of heavy-gauge carbon steel welding, fabrication standards, production planning, and workforce development.
You will play a critical role in standardising processes, managing diverse stakeholder needs, and embedding a project and process-driven mindset. Entrepreneurial thinking, commercial awareness, and an eye for innovation are essential to this role as the company grows and scales.

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 fabricationQualifications & Experience:
Essential:

Minimum 5 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., 3–10mm 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 sitesDesirable:

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 initiativesPersonal 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 pressureWhat We Offer:

Competitive salary based on experience
Company car or allowance
Performance-related bonus
25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Pension scheme
Career development opportunities in a growing business
A collaborative team culture committed to quality and innovation
Join us on the journey…..
Over the past 30 years, Panda has continued to grow and acquire businesses that all share a very similar vision and set of values. We’re now a group of almost 3000 people, all contributing to that growth and success.
Whilst Panda is the parent company to numerous brands, we all share an ambitious vision for the future. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our people and connected partners is front and centre.  As a team, we’re safer together. We deliver our customers with a partnership approach to managing their resources responsibly. We constantly push the boundaries of innovation.  What’s good today can be better tomorrow.
Panda is not just a company, it’s a resource recovery business. Over the past three decades we’ve grown and diversified significantly, we believe that great leadership is rooted in strong values. As leaders within this industry, we’re committed to shaping a better future for our friends, families and communities. Our philosophy remains unchanged, balancing customer satisfaction with environmentally sustainable practices. Exceptional customer service, and unwavering dedication to sustainability are the cornerstones of our business.
Our journey is dependent upon talented, passionate, and dedicated people that constantly strive and challenge each other for better outcomes. 
Take the first step today and join us on the journey……….
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)