Position Title: Subcontracts Manager
Department: Manufacturing
Reports To: VP Manufacturing
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Job Type: Full-Time
About Piping Technology & Products
Founded in 1978 and based in Houston, Texas, Piping Technology & Products is a leading manufacturer of engineered pipe supports and other piping system products used in power, refining, chemical, and related industries. We are known for fast turnaround, reliable quality, and a strong commitment to helping customers keep critical infrastructure running. With extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities, PT&P continues to grow while remaining focused on innovation, service, safety, and long-term partnerships.
Position Summary
The Subcontracts Manager leads the selection, qualification, negotiation, execution, and performance management of subcontracted manufacturing work. This position requires at least 15 years of experience working directly with and managing industrial manufacturing firms, along with strong practical knowledge of cutting, fitting, welding, machining, and fabrication. The manager ensures subcontractors deliver safe, compliant, high-quality work on schedule and within budget while protecting PT&P's commercial and operational interests.
This is a hands-on leadership role that works closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Project Management, and Finance. The successful candidate can evaluate a supplier's true shop capabilities, translate drawings and specifications into a clear scope of work, identify production and commercial risks early, and take decisive action when performance falls short.
Key Responsibilities
Subcontract Management
- Manage the full subcontracting lifecycle from make-or-buy input, market research, bidder qualification, request for quotation, bid leveling, negotiation, award, kickoff, execution, change management, closeout, and final performance review
- Develop clear scopes of work by translating drawings, bills of material, specifications, codes, inspection requirements, schedules, and commercial terms into complete subcontract packages with defined deliverables and acceptance criteria
- Document scope changes, evaluate cost and schedule impacts, negotiate equitable adjustments, resolve disputes, and prevent unauthorized work
Supplier Evaluation and Development
- Assess subcontractors' equipment, capacity, labor, supervision, procedures, certifications, quality systems, and demonstrated ability to perform cutting, fitting, welding, machining, and fabrication
- Identify, qualify, develop, and rationalize subcontractors to improve capacity, technical capability, geographic coverage, responsiveness, and business continuity
Commercial and Negotiations
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, warranties, remedies, freight responsibilities, tooling, material ownership, intellectual property, and risk allocation
- Perform cost analysis and risk assessment to support sound commercial decisions
Performance and Execution
- Establish milestones and scorecards; monitor safety, quality, cost, schedule, responsiveness, and documentation; and lead recovery plans for late or nonconforming work
- Maintain frequent contact with subcontractor leadership and shop personnel, conduct site visits, review production status, verify material and resource readiness, and remove constraints before they affect delivery
- Partner with Quality and Engineering to confirm applicable drawings, welding procedures, welder qualifications, material traceability, inspection and test plans, nondestructive examination, dimensional requirements, and code or customer specifications
Leadership and Reporting
- Communicate risks, commitments, forecasts, and corrective actions to internal stakeholders and maintain accurate records
- Coach team members in disciplined subcontract management practices
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, business, construction management, or a related field; equivalent directly relevant experience may be considered
- At least 15 years of progressive experience working directly with and managing industrial manufacturing firms, subcontractors, or fabrication suppliers
- Demonstrated working knowledge of cutting, fitting, welding, machining, and fabrication processes, including the ability to assess shop capability, labor requirements, production flow, constraints, and realistic lead times
- Extensive experience developing scopes of work, issuing and evaluating requests for quotation, negotiating terms, administering subcontracts, managing changes, and resolving performance issues
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, specifications, tolerances, welding requirements, inspection criteria, and production schedules
- Strong cost analysis, negotiation, risk assessment, documentation, and contract administration skills
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide concise status reports and escalate issues with practical recommendations
- Ability and willingness to travel to subcontractor and supplier facilities as required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting engineered-to-order products for power, refining, petrochemical, LNG, chemical, or other heavy industrial markets
- Familiarity with applicable ASME, AWS, API, ISO, or customer-specific fabrication and quality requirements
- Experience using ERP, procurement, scheduling, document-control, and supplier-performance tools
Key Competencies
Supplier Management: Ability to evaluate, develop, and manage a portfolio of subcontractors to meet production and quality requirements
Commercial Acumen: Sound judgment in negotiations, cost analysis, and contract administration that protects company interests
Manufacturing Knowledge: Deep understanding of industrial fabrication, machining, welding, and production processes
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify production and commercial risks early and take decisive corrective action
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance teams
Communication: Clear, concise reporting and escalation with practical recommendations
Accountability: Consistently holds subcontractors and internal teams to commitments and deadlines
Why Join Us? We offer a dynamic work environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional growth. As a key part of our team, you will have the chance to shape our processes and contribute directly to the success of our manufacturing operations.
Work Location
This is a full-time, in-person position located at: 3701 Holmes Rd #1545, Houston, TX 77051
