We are working with a well-established Australian manufacturer who operates in a high-volume, commodity-driven environment. With significant recent investment in machinery and a strong growth agenda ahead, we are now seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take full ownership of the manufacturing site and lead the next phase of operational maturity.
This is a pivotal leadership role for a technically strong, people-focused operations leader who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and enjoys lifting standards, capability, and culture.
About the Role
Reporting to senior leadership, you will have end-to-end responsibility for site operations, leading a diverse, unionised workforce and ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
You will play a critical role in stabilising operations, embedding structure and discipline, and leveraging new equipment to drive improvements in throughput, reliability, waste reduction, and overall performance.
This role requires a leader who is equally comfortable being hands-on on the factory floor and contributing at an executive and boardroom level.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement
* Drive operational uplift by improving equipment utilisation, reducing breakdowns, and optimising workflows
* Leverage recent machinery investment to improve efficiency, stock accuracy, waste reduction, and output
* Build capability through structured training, clear expectations, and accountability across supervisors and technicians
* Embed and strengthen Lean and continuous improvement practices, visual management, and auditing discipline
* Maintain strong safety, compliance, and environmental standards, including EPA requirements
* Provide clear reporting, documentation, and operational insights to senior leadership
About You
You are a confident, solutions-focused operations leader with a strong technical foundation and the presence to lead change.
You will bring:
* Proven leadership experience in manufacturing operations (5-7 years' experience), ideally within extrusion, plastics, foam, or other complex industrial environments.
* An engineering background or strong mechanical/technical aptitude, with the ability to understand machinery, conversion processes, and production systems
* Experience working in unionised environments and exposure to Enterprise Agreements
* A track record of driving continuous improvement, operational discipline, and performance uplift in tight-margin manufacturing
* Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to influence, challenge constructively, and build accountability
* The confidence to engage at senior leadership and board level, contributing commercially and strategically
* A hands-on leadership style — visible on the floor, yet structured and disciplined in execution
This is an opportunity to step into a role with real influence and impact — shaping how the site operates today and positioning it for future growth. You'll be trusted to lead, challenge, and modernise operations in a business that values practical leadership and results.