Position Summary

The Hydraulic Hose Shop Foreman is responsible for the day-to-day supervision and coordination of all shop floor operations within the hydraulic hose fabrication department. This role ensures that hose assembly activities, inventory management, and shipping and receiving functions are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with quality and safety standards. The Foreman serves as the primary point of contact between shop employees and operations leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision & Team Coordination

• Directly supervise and coordinate the daily activities of hose shop employees, including assemblers, material handlers, and shipping/receiving personnel.

• Assign work orders, set daily priorities, and adjust workflow to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.

• Monitor employee performance, provide on-the-job coaching, and escalate performance concerns to management as needed.

• Conduct safety briefings, enforce PPE compliance, and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.

• Support onboarding and training of new shop employees on assembly procedures, equipment operation, and safety protocols.

Hose Assembly & Quality Control

• Oversee and actively participate in the fabrication and assembly of hydraulic hose assemblies to customer specifications and industry standards.

• Ensure correct selection and application of hose, fittings, ferrules, and adapters in accordance with pressure ratings and application requirements.

• Perform and document quality inspections on completed assemblies, including dimensional checks, pressure testing, and visual inspection.

• Identify and resolve assembly defects, non-conformances, and rework situations promptly.

• Maintain and enforce standardized assembly procedures and work instructions.

Inventory Management

• Manage raw material and finished goods inventory within the hose shop, including hydraulic hose, fittings, end connections, and ancillary components.

• Conduct regular cycle counts and participate in physical inventory audits to ensure accuracy of on-hand quantities.

• Monitor minimum stock levels and generate replenishment requests or purchase requisitions to prevent material shortages.

• Ensure proper labeling, storage, and organization of all inventory items in designated locations.

• Coordinate with procurement on lead times, back orders, and substitute materials when required.

Shipping & Receiving

• Oversee inbound receiving of raw materials, verify quantities and condition against purchase orders, and document discrepancies.

• Coordinate outbound shipment of finished hose assemblies, ensuring accurate order picking, proper packaging, and correct documentation (packing slips, BOLs, labels).

• Communicate with carriers, freight brokers, and customers regarding shipment scheduling and delivery status.

• Maintain shipping and receiving records in the ERP/inventory management system.

• Process returns and warranty claims in coordination with the sales and purchasing teams.

Operations & Reporting

• Track and report key shop metrics including throughput, on-time delivery, scrap rates, and labor utilization.

• Identify and recommend process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality outcomes.

• Coordinate equipment maintenance and calibration schedules for crimping machines, cut-off saws, pressure test benches, and related tooling.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations (OSHA), environmental requirements, and company policies.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in hydraulic hose fabrication, fluid power, or related industrial manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated supervisory or lead experience in a shop or production setting.

• Working knowledge of hydraulic hose products, fittings, and pressure specifications (SAE, ISO, DIN standards).

• Proficiency with crimping machinery, hose cut-off equipment, and pressure testing equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, work orders, and customer specifications.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in inventory control and documentation.

• Computer proficiency, including ERP/inventory systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Preferred

• Experience in a distribution or MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) environment serving industrial, mining, or steel industry customers.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement methodologies.

• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.

• Associate degree or technical certification in fluid power, industrial technology, or a related field.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical tasks on a regular basis:

• Stand, walk, and move throughout the shop floor for extended periods.

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted; heavier loads with mechanical assistance or team lift.

• Operate hand tools and power equipment in a manufacturing environment.

• Work in a shop environment with exposure to noise, hydraulic fluids, metal components, and varying temperatures.

• Use personal protective equipment (safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing protection) consistently.

Core Competencies

• Leadership:

• Leadership: Ability to motivate, direct, and develop a shop-floor team to meet daily and long-term goals.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot assembly, quality, and logistics issues quickly and effectively.

• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication with employees, management, and customers.

• Accountability: Takes ownership of shop results and holds team members to consistent standards.

• Technical Aptitude: Deep product knowledge and mechanical aptitude to support quality and efficiency.