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
We are Panda. We value waste.
We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.
At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.
We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.
We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.
And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.
Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.
Take the first step and join us on the journey.
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
(DE&I Policy Statement)