Cost jobs in United Kingdom

January 2026 start

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.

• 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 fabrication

• 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 sites

• 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 initiatives

• 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 pressure

• 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

Panda has continued to grow and acquire businesses that share a similar vision and set of values. We are a group of almost 3000 people, all contributing to that growth and success. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our people and partners is front and centre. We deliver our customers with a partnership approach to managing resources responsibly, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation.

We are a resource recovery business. Over the past three decades we’ve grown and diversified significantly, believing that great leadership is rooted in strong values. Our philosophy balances customer satisfaction with environmentally sustainable practices. Exceptional customer service and unwavering dedication to sustainability are the cornerstones of our business.

Our journey depends on talented, passionate, and dedicated people constantly striving and challenging each other for better outcomes.

Pandaaims to attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce that best represents the talent available in the communities in which our assets are located and our employees reside.

(DE& I Policy Statement)