Fabrication Team Lead
The Opportunity
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 true hybrid leadership role:
- 50% leadership, planning, quality assurance and performance management
- 50% on the tools (welding, fabrication and assembly)
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
- Perform MIG, TIG and laser 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
- 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
- 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)
- A natural leader who enjoys coaching and developing others
- Highly organised 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
- 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
If you’re ready to step into a role that blends leadership with hands-on technical delivery, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact Rob Malpass on 021 225 3899 for a confidential conversation.
To be considered for this role you need to have either New Zealand citizenship or residency.
For a confidential discussion please contact Rob Malpass, EQ Consultants, on 021 225 3899.