Overview
Kite Magnetics is an advanced materials engineering and manufacturing company focused on Aeroperm, a nanocrystalline magnetic material designed to improve efficiency in electric motors and generators. We are seeking a dynamic Head of Manufacturing to commission our pilot-scale production line and lead the establishment of our first advanced manufacturing facility, including operations, planning, verification, installation, commissioning, validation, and scaling of production processes.
Location & Hours
Location: Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
Hours: Permanent full-time (38 hr/week) in-person role
Key Responsibilities
* Establish a global, modular manufacturing strategy aligned to company growth, with design-for-replication, capacity modelling, and site-readiness playbooks.
* Lead industrialisation from pilot to mass production using stage-gates and clear launch metrics (capability, Run at Rate, SOP readiness).
* Build a high-trust, continuous-improvement culture with lean practices and tiered daily management.
* Own process design for scalability and stability; integrate QMS data flows for traceability and real-time performance management.
* Drive cost, yield, and takt improvements against target goals.
* Define architecture and standards for in-house production equipment; design and build standard modules for global replication; manage RFQs and documentation, spares strategy, and maintenance plans.
* Ensure compliance with machine safety and electrical standards and regulatory needs.
* Partner with HSE to embed safe systems of work and risk management; conduct risk reviews and ensure environmental/regulatory compliance from pilot through scale.
* Own industrialisation programs (scope, schedule, budget, risk) and capex/opex business cases with ROI models; establish launch governance and KPI reporting.
* Lead recruitment and development of two core teams: Manufacturing Engineering/Industrialisation and Maintenance-Reliability/Automation; build training and certification frameworks for two-shift readiness and global tech transfer.
* Define capacity planning and materials-flow foundations; enable supplier readiness for pilot and mass production; set documentation standards to replicate lines internationally.
* Plan and execute first mass-production lines, deliver Run at Rate and PPAP with customers; create a repeatable "pilot-to-series" playbook for global deployment.
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
* Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline or equivalent experience highly regarded
* 10+ years in manufacturing leadership roles, preferably in materials engineering, automotive, aerospace, or defence
* Track record of developing and executing manufacturing strategies driving operational excellence and business growth
* Strong experience in process optimisation, lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, high-speed automated systems, and web handling
* Experience managing large-scale manufacturing operations; demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams
* Experience with APQP processes is highly regarded
Personal Attributes
* Honest, curious, inclusive, collaborative, transparent, and responsible
* Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
* Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and make informed decisions
* Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills
* Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment and manage multiple projects
Compensation & Benefits
* Competitive salary of A$199,000–A$201,000 per year (base pay range at Kite Magnetics)
* Eligible for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after probation
* Statutory superannuation; collaborative and inclusive work environment
* Flexible start times (example: 6:30–9:30 am) with corresponding end times
Company & Equal Opportunity
Kite Magnetics is an equal-opportunity and equal-outcome employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, suppliers, and customers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr