Engineering Manager We are seeking a hands-on, strategic Engineering Manager to lead cross-functional teams within a custom manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in dynamic, project-based production, balancing people leadership, process discipline, and real-time problem solving. You will oversee Project Management, Engineering/Design, Purchasing, Materials, and HR coordination, ensuring seamless execution from concept through delivery. Success in this role requires both operational leadership and a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset.
Key Responsibilities:- Operational Leadership & Execution
- Lead and align Project Managers, Design Engineers, Purchasing, Materials, and HR to ensure efficient workflows and accountability
- Own and enforce process discipline, ensuring teams receive proper inputs and deliver high-quality outputs
- Audit workflows regularly; identify gaps, deviations, and opportunities for improvement
- Act as the central "catch point" to ensure critical tasks are identified, tracked, and completed
- Process Improvement & Continuous Development
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all departments
- Gather frontline feedback and implement practical, scalable process enhancements
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning for operational issues
- Balance efficiency with usability, design processes that teams will consistently follow
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor employees at all levels on decision-making, prioritization, communication, and problem-solving
- Conduct performance reviews and support employee development
- Foster a culture of accountability, respect, and continuous learning
- Adapt leadership style to maximize individual and team performance
- Hands-On Support & Resource Management
- Step in to support critical workflows during peak demand, staffing gaps, or bottlenecks
- Reallocate resources and rebalance workloads to maintain throughput and delivery timelines
- Maintain visibility into daily operations and actively support execution when needed
- Technical Oversight
- Develop a working knowledge of all plant operations, including fabrication and production processes
- Contribute meaningfully to cross-functional problem solving (design, welding, fixtures, quality issues, etc.)Understand manufacturing fundamentals such as error-proofing, tooling, and fixture design
- Build credibility with production teams through practical involvement and insight
- Problem Solving & Decision MakingApply structured thinking to understand root causes and "why" behind issues
- Anticipate challenges and proactively develop solutions, even in unfamiliar scenarios
- Guide Project Managers to fully understand scope, risks, and evolving project requirements
- Use data and floor-level insight to identify trends and prevent future problems
- Ensure decisions align with company priorities: quality, delivery, profitability, and culture
- Planning & Strategy
- Short- & Long-Term Planning
- Forecast workload and resource needs (6+ months out)
- Prepare for production surges, staffing changes, and operational risks
- Ensure plans are in place to meet delivery timelines and financial targets
- Strategic Growth
- Collaborate with Production and Operations leadership on capacity planning and work distribution
- Evaluate future business opportunities, OEM programs, and plant capabilities
- Identify and lead expansion initiatives (new departments, equipment, or capabilities)
- Support hiring pipelines, partnerships, and workforce development efforts
Qualifications:- RequiredExperience in a custom manufacturing, fabrication, or equipment environment
- Demonstrated leadership experience across multiple functional teams
- Strong understanding of project-based manufacturing operations
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
- PreferredBackground in steel fabrication or heavy manufacturing
- Experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, continuous improvement, etc.)Proven ability to manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Key Traits for Success
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
- High emotional intelligence; understands how to motivate and manage different personalities
- Confident, resilient, and open to feedback
- Proactive problem solver with a forward-thinking mindset
- Strong work ethic and accountability for results
- Technically curious with solid computer and systems skills
Benefits: Life Insurance
Vision Insurance:
Paid Time OffEmail resume to scott.slater@gogpac.comAll qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
