Shop Manager Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO (NOW HIRING)

Great sheet metal shops are not run by the loudest voice on the floor. They are run by leaders who can read a schedule, walk a bay, coach a foreman, and keep a crew pulling the rope in the same direction - all before most of the city has had coffee.

That is the job. And it is a builder's job, not a caretaker's.

RK Industries is one of the most established mechanical contractors in the Rocky Mountain region, and our Denver sheet metal shop is the engine behind some of the most complex commercial projects in the market. As Shop Superintendent, you will own the floor - setting the tone, growing the team, and making sure every job that leaves the bay is built right, bundled right, and shipped on time.

Primary responsibilities

• Own the shop floor. Set the tone, the pace, and the standard for VDC-to-production work that meets or exceeds customer requirements.

• Maintain controlled conditions across all shop production activities and drive continuous improvement in process, quality, and productivity.

• Read drawings like a story - catch scope changes early, flag shop drawing revisions, and keep the shop ahead of the schedule instead of chasing it.

• Direct employees through bundling, staging, and complete shipment of materials, and coordinate delivery dates with our trucking partners.

• Ensure shop labor costs and timecards are allocated accurately.

• Coordinate closely with the VDC team and detailing partners so work packages flow cleanly from VDC into production.

• Partner shoulder-to-shoulder with Project Managers, field personnel, Schedulers, and Work Order Processors to deliver high-quality projects on time.

• Grow people, not just parts. Coach foremen and shop personnel through performance reviews, development planning, and hands-on equipment training.

• Assist the Shop Operations Manager with hiring, evaluations, and terminations of shop personnel.

• Run weekly safety meetings and daily toolbox talks that people actually want to be in.

• Partner with RKMI's safety department to maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop and yard.

• Help limit equipment repair costs through effective training and proper equipment use.

Accountability and safety

• Comply with all company policies and procedures.

• Take personal responsibility for safety and health, and stop work when an unsafe condition is present.

• Immediately notify a supervisor of hazards so they can be corrected.

• Implement and maintain required safety and health practices and training, including RK Mechanical Orientation, shop-specific orientation, CPR/First Aid/AED/Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Identification and Reporting, and OSHA 30.

Qualifications

• Real sheet metal shop experience - this is non-negotiable. Commercial HVAC production is a strong plus.

• College or university degree with 7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of skills and experience.

• Advanced knowledge and techniques within the sheet metal shop function, and comfort with modern shop equipment and automation.

• Ability to apply relevant principles and practices across a broad range of assignments and make independent decisions on complex work and methods.

• Experience providing indirect supervision and working toward overall objectives with guidance on critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters.

• Ability to act as a liaison with groups inside and outside the organization and work independently on matters related to the role.

• The kind of leadership traits that are hard to teach: emotional intelligence, humility, hunger, integrity, and a team-first mindset.

• Familiarity with how VDC work packages flow from detailing into shop production is a nice-to-have, not a gate.

Physical requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry 51-75 pounds, frequently exert 31-45 pounds of force, and constantly exert up to 16-22 pounds of force to move objects.

• Ability to climb and maintain balance on stairs, ladders, and scaffolds while carrying tools and equipment.

• Ability to see naturally or with correction.

• Ability to use arms and hands to reach, handle, manipulate, and install heavy objects and materials.

• Ability to balance, kneel, squat, crouch, bend, lean, stand, walk, climb, dig, backfill, and compact.

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RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law