1. Position Overview
Shadeview Townsville is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Managing Director / Operations Manager to lead the organisation's strategic direction, operational performance, and long-term growth. This role combines hands-on operational leadership with high-level strategic oversight, ensuring the business remains competitive, efficient, and aligned with Australian regulatory, safety, and industry standards.
The position requires a leader with strong manufacturing experience, proven capability in operational excellence, and the ability to build a high-performing culture. The Managing Director / Operations Manager will work closely with the Business Owner/s to drive business performance, strengthen customer relationships, and ensure sustainable growth.
2. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
• Lead the development and execution of organisational strategy in alignment with organisational goals.
• Provide transparent reporting on performance, risk, compliance, and operational outcomes.
• Ensure strong governance practices, including WHS, regulatory compliance, and ethical leadership.
• Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and strategic partnerships.
Operational Management & Continuous Improvement
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and quality across all functions.
• Implement lean methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives to optimise processes.
• Ensure operational systems, equipment, and workflows support safe and reliable production.
• Drive cost control, resource planning, and operational forecasting.
Commercial & Business Development
• Strengthen customer relationships and ensure high levels of service delivery and satisfaction.
• Lead commercial negotiations, pricing strategies, and contract management.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and market expansion initiatives.
• Oversee financial performance with full P&L accountability.
People Leadership & Culture
• Build and lead a positive, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture.
• Oversee workforce planning, capability development, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and promote a strong safety culture.
• Mentor and develop leaders across production, quality, supply chain, and administration.
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
• Maintain compliance with relevant Australian standards, industry regulations, and internal policies.
• Oversee quality assurance, risk management, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Ensure proactive identification and mitigation of operational and organisational risks.
Supply Chain & Planning
• Oversee procurement, logistics, inventory, and supplier relationships.
• Ensure supply chain resilience, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with production needs.
• Lead operational planning, capacity management, and resource allocation.
3. Key Capabilities & Experience
Essential
• Senior leadership experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success in leading operational teams and improving business performance.
• Strong commercial acumen with full P&L responsibility.
• Proven ability to build culture, lead change, and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of WHS, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with staff from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Desirable
• Experience integrating or transforming operational systems or organisational structures.
• Exposure to digital transformation or AI-enabled operational optimisation.
• Experience in working within a family business.
• MBA qualifications or similar.
• Engineering qualifications or similar.
4. Qualifications
• Executive leadership development highly regarded.
• Additional qualifications in quality, safety, or operational excellence advantageous.
5. Personal Attributes
• Practical, hands-on leadership style with strong operational grounding.
• Commercially astute with a strategic mindset.
• Strong communicator who builds trust and alignment across teams.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
• Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
6. Employment Conditions
Position Type: Permanent, full-time
Location: Townsville, Queensland
Reports To: Owner/s
Direct Reports: Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Administration