Brickworks QLD is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at our Austral Masonry manufacturing facility in Cairns, Queensland.
Reporting to the North QLD Regional Manager, you will oversee all plant activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production while lifting performance across people, processes, and equipment.
This site operates one of North Queensland’s largest dry pressed concrete block plants, running a two-shift operation with a strong, long tenured workforce. You will lead a team of around 17 operational staff, supported by an Operations Coordinator, and play a key role in improving reliability and driving continuous improvement.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Ensure safe working conditions and full compliance with WHS legislation, local requirements, and environmental standards. Identify and implement initiatives to improve WH&S performance. Translate organisational short, and long term objectives into actionable plant management plans. Determine plant capacity, capability, and resource needs to meet operational goals. Develop and control capital expenditure budgets. Oversee production and preventative maintenance schedules, raw material requirements, system infrastructure, and inventory levels. Drive improvements in productivity, quality, cost control, and customer service. Manage efficient procurement, warehousing, and distribution of finished goods. Establish and maintain quality standards to ensure products meet grade and specification. Lead recruitment, development, training, and performance management of plant employees. Manage production plans to optimise inventory and support sales targets. Meet environmental responsibilities and sustainability expectations. Monitor product quality and quantities, escalating issues for timely resolution. Review daily production schedules with the Production Supervisor. Oversee general maintenance of plant, equipment, and buildings. Exercise authority to stop production where output does not meet specifications. Maintain strong working relationships with employees and unions. Manage stock levels and support the development of new products.
Success Requirements
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations and site management. 5–10 years’ experience in a manufacturing leadership role. Proven leadership and people management capability. Bachelor of Engineering or relevant discipline preferred. Strong financial and budgeting skills, including plant and capital management. Familiarity with performance evaluation, KPIs, and production planning. Knowledge of PLCs in a manufacturing environment. Understanding of AS3600 and experience with concrete (advantageous). Strong written, verbal, and non verbal communication skills. Effective organisational, scheduling, decision making, and problem solving skills.
Why join us?
Charitable Partnership: Proudly support Children’s Cancer Institute (CCI). Inclusivity: We value diversity and maintain an inclusive workplace. Family Support: Enjoy our company parental leave scheme. Recognition: Celebrate success with Employee of the Year and Values Recognition Programs. Growth: Ongoing education, training, and career progression opportunities for all employees. Support: Access support programs for you and your family through our EAP provider. Discounts: Product Discounts are provided for staff and family and friends of staff.
Who We Are
Brickworks is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers, housing some of Australia’s best-known building material brands.
With a broad product portfolio including clay bricks & pavers, concrete masonry blocks, retaining wall systems, stone, roof tiles, and timber battens; Brickworks operates manufacturing and sales facilities across Australia and North America, being uniquely placed to service the demands of the building industry.
Part of the Brickworks Group, Austral Masonry provides the workhorses of the construction industry with a collection of masonry blocks, pavers and retaining walls used in residential and commercial construction. By adding oxides and coloured sands to our mix of raw materials, we produce products with contemporary colours, textures and appeal.
How To Apply
You will need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident to apply.
Submit your resume and cover letter via the “Apply” button.
For more information about Brickworks please visit our website https://www.brickworks.com.au/
Brickworks does not accept unsolicited applications from employment agencies.