Director of Fabrication

Founded nearly two decades ago and based in Anaheim, with other offices in Los Angeles, New York, and San Antonio, we are an award-winning experiential marketing and production agency that brings complex brand stories to life through strategy, design, engineering, project management, fabrication, printing, logistics, and onsite implementation. Our multidisciplinary team delivers immersive activations, trade show environments, pop-ups, tours, entertainment experiences, and permanent themed installations for leading brands through more than 86,000 square feet of creative and production facilities.

About the role

The Director of Fabrication is responsible for leading and managing all fabrication-related operations to ensure projects are executed efficiently, safely, and profitably. This role provides strategic direction for fabrication, print, and signage production while driving operational excellence, workforce development, quality standards, and continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with Production, Creative, Engineering, Project Management, and Operations leadership, the Director of Fabrication ensures alignment across departments to support successful project delivery, maximize productivity, maintain customer satisfaction, and uphold company performance objectives. This leader is accountable for optimizing resources, improving manufacturing processes, and fostering collaboration throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for fabrication, print, and signage operations to ensure projects meet quality, schedule, budget, and safety expectations.
• Establish production priorities and coordinate labor, equipment, materials, and shop resources to support project demands.
• Develop and refine fabrication methodologies, execution plans, and manufacturing workflows that improve efficiency and profitability.
• Evaluate drawings, shop plans, and fabrication documents to confirm accuracy, constructability, and production readiness.
• Support operational planning by identifying resource requirements and production constraints before project launch.
• Implement and maintain quality management systems designed to meet customer requirements and company standards.
• Conduct routine inspections and process audits throughout fabrication activities to ensure quality expectations are achieved.
• Assess fabrication feasibility, workload capacity, and production capabilities when reviewing new opportunities.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on production efficiency, quality enhancement, waste reduction, and operational performance.
• Promote best practices and standardized manufacturing procedures throughout the facility.
• Review and develop project estimates, production budgets, labor projections, and material cost analyses.
• Monitor project financial performance, including labor efficiency, material utilization, and overall production costs.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality or delivery requirements.
• Analyze manufacturing approaches and recommend the most effective production solutions from both a quality and financial perspective.
• Maintain current pricing information and estimating tools to support accurate project forecasting.
• Direct the sourcing and purchasing of fabrication materials, specialty components, and production supplies.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and external vendors.
• Ensure inventory levels are aligned with production schedules and project requirements.
• Establish inventory control procedures that support cost management and material availability.
• Monitor material consumption and implement strategies to minimize waste.
• Oversee utilization and scheduling of fabrication equipment to maximize productivity and throughput.
• Ensure preventative maintenance programs are followed to maintain equipment reliability and operational readiness.
• Coordinate facility upgrades, capital improvements, and long-term asset planning initiatives.
• Evaluate equipment investments and process enhancements that improve efficiency and operational capability.
• Maintain a safe and organized manufacturing environment.
• Champion a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and company policies.
• Lead safety training programs, inspections, and corrective action efforts.
• Maintain safety documentation, SDS records, and compliance-related files.
• Investigate incidents and implement preventative measures to reduce workplace risk.
• Promote accountability and adherence to all safety requirements throughout the organization.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop fabrication personnel to support operational growth and succession planning.
• Conduct performance coaching, employee development discussions, and workforce planning activities.
• Manage staffing levels and allocate resources to support changing project demands.
• Identify when outside resources or subcontractors are required and oversee vendor engagement as needed.
• Foster a culture centered on teamwork, accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Project Management, Design, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Accounting, and Human Resources to support project success.
• Participate in client discussions, technical reviews, planning meetings, and site visits when needed.
• Assist with technical problem-solving and provide fabrication expertise during project execution.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives focused on operational performance, customer satisfaction, and strategic growth.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team by supporting company objectives and long-term planning efforts.
• Track project status through production reporting systems and fabrication documentation.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and milestones to stakeholders and leadership.
• Review construction documents, shop drawings, layouts, and specifications to ensure fabrication requirements are properly understood.
• Maintain accurate records related to production activities and project execution.
• Oversee processes and systems associated with complex construction and themed-environment projects, including:
  • Quality assurance and compliance audits
  • Procore project management platform
  • FAT, SAT, closeout, and turnover documentation
  • BIM360, SAP, COUPA, Apex, and related software systems
  • NexGen processes and workflows
  • Vendor and subcontractor management
  • Supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing efforts
  • Early-stage project involvement and business development support
  • Oversight of specialty fabrication processes, including fiberglass and concrete-related work

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 10 years of fabrication, manufacturing, or production leadership experience
• Proven track record managing fabrication operations, teams, budgets, and production schedules
• Demonstrated success driving process improvements and operational efficiencies

Skills

• Experience with the following platforms is preferred:
  • Airtable or similar project management software
  • SketchUp and other modeling applications
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Google Workspace applications
  • Outlook and Gmail
  • Excel and Google Sheets
  • PowerPoint presentation software
  • Timekeeping and scheduling systems
  • Zoom, Google Meet, and collaboration tools
  • Slack or similar communication platforms
• Knowledge of fabrication equipment and machinery including:
  • CNC routers and plasma cutting systems
  • Laser cutting and engraving equipment
  • Woodworking machinery and saw systems
  • Metal fabrication equipment
  • MIG, TIG, and Stick welding equipment
  • Hydraulic presses and brakes
  • Industrial painting and finishing systems
  • Pneumatic and electric hand tools
  • Forklifts, hoists, pallet jacks, and material handling equipment

Benefits

• Competitive compensation starting at $90,000 base salary, depending on experience
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Discounts

Pay

$185,000 - $220,000 per year

Schedule

In-person role: split time among office administration, shop operations, project meetings, and show sites.