Manager, Metal Shop Operations

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world-famous brand with offices across the globe. Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument; it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

We are searching for a Manager, Metal Shop Operations to join our team. This person is responsible for leading activities of associates, daily management, performance management, training, and SQDS reporting. Responsible for ensuring that production meets daily production goals.  Supervises manufacturing personnel.  Responsible for smooth and balanced workflow through the production floor.  Coordinates employees in various work areas to maximize productivity.  Interfaces with Human Resources on employment issues including hiring/firing, performance appraisals, merit increases, time off requests, and disciplinary issues according to company policy, safety issues, and worker’s compensation procedures.  Schedules smooth production of the product to conform to production goals.

Essential Functions:

• Lead daily activities, performance management, and training of associates in the metal shop.
• Supervise manufacturing personnel to ensure adherence to production goals and smooth workflow.
• Coordinate various work areas to maximize productivity and maintain balanced workflow.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on employment matters, safety protocols, and disciplinary procedures.
• Schedule and oversee production to meet daily goals and maintain quality standards.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, conducting audits, and addressing safety concerns promptly.
• Manage team metrics, aligning goals with overarching objectives and conducting regular audits for process optimization.
• Identify improvement opportunities in production, safety, quality, and training, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and mentor direct reports.
• Facilitate departmental meetings, ensuring effective communication and issue resolution.
• Implement and oversee daily audits for workspace organization and problem-solving related to productivity and quality metrics.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum two years of college-level education in Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering or related fields.
• Proficiency in Shop Floor Operational Systems, Lean Manufacturing, and Advanced Quality Tools.
• Demonstrated experience in Continuous Improvement methodologies and strategic thinking.
• Strong supervisory skills, including structured work, training, and fostering teamwork.
• Proficient in problem-solving using advanced quality tools and managing budgets.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as needed.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English strongly preferred.

About Fender Musical Instruments:

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com. FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

Fender is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position.  “Pay scale” means the salary or hourly wage range that Fender reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive.  The pay scale for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that Fender considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.  If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work.  Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role – especially as a new hire – and compensation decisions are dependent on