We are seeking a high-impact Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lift the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of GALE Pacific's manufacturing operations across owned and outsourced sites.
You'll operate with high autonomy and strong influencing capability, applying proven manufacturing improvement methodologies to drive measurable uplift in throughput, OEE, quality, responsiveness, and capital efficiency.
This is a critical, global role with direct responsibility for a small maintenance team, while delivering impact across manufacturing sites in Braeside (Australia), China, and contract manufacturing partners in Thailand.
The role:
* Improve machine speed, throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
* Reduce changeover times and eliminate non-productive downtime through mechanical, process, and workflow improvements
* Identify and eliminate bottlenecks constraining capacity and flow
* Own and evolve the Reliability & Maintenance philosophy across sites
* Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventative maintenance (PM) standards and routines
* Reduce unplanned downtime and recurring failures using structured root cause methods (RCA / FMEA)
* Apply recognised methodologies (Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, TPM, World Class Manufacturing, Agile Manufacturing, Industry 4.0) to deliver measurable results
* Develop and deploy global manufacturing and engineering standards to ensure consistency in safety, documentation, equipment capability, and maintenance practices
* Transfer best practices across Australia, China, and contract manufacturing partners
* Lead small-to-medium capex and engineering projects end-to-end, ensuring disciplined delivery, cost control, and benefits realisation
* Prioritise engineering initiatives and capex using ROI/payback frameworks; support business case development for targeted investment
* Act as a technical escalation point for complex, high-impact operational issues
* Provide engineering support aligned to a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including availability for critical incidents
* Be accountable for manufacturing-related subcontractors and specialist providers, ensuring alignment to GALE Pacific safety, quality, and commercial standards
The successful candidate should have:
* Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or similar)
* Safety centred mindset and ways of working
* Demonstrated experience in engineering, reliability, and maintenance within complex manufacturing environments (multi‐site and/or outsourced partners)
* Proven ability to apply Lean / CI methodologies to deliver real operating results
* Proven experience developing and implementing maintenance strategies and processes that optimise machine performance while balancing cost and downtime impactsSolid project management, RCA, and FMEA capability
* Experience working in ISO9001 and HACCP certified environments
* Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across all levels and geographies
* Flexibility to support a 24/7 production environment when required
* Highly organised with strong time management and prioritisation skills
* Energised, positive, safety‐centred approach with excellent written and verbal communication skills
Benefits & Culture:
* GALE Safe - Focused safety culture and practices
* Supportive leadership and connected global team environment
* Opportunities for professional learning and development
* Braeside location with modern facilities and onsite parking
* Paid Parental Leave Program
* Access to comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellbeing support
* Novated Leasing
About GALE Pacific:
GALE Pacific celebrates our 75th anniversary in 2026. Our business progressed from an entrepreneurial family business knitting scarves and baby clothes to pioneering the development of knitting HDPE into what we know as shade fabric today.
We are a category‐leading provider of innovative shade solutions, transforming how people experience and enjoy outdoor spaces. Specialising in high‐quality, sustainable products, from umbrellas and sun sails to awnings and custom shade structures, we design for performance, protection, and style in the world's harshest climates. Our range is endorsed by the Cancer Council, a partnership created through a shared commitment to education and innovation in sun protection.
Our vision is to make shade as fundamental to outdoor life as sunlight — where every person, animal, crop and shared space is protected from the sun's harsh effects, so communities thrive through sustainable, intelligent and accessible shade.
GALE Pacific is a public company (ASX: GAP) and employs over 400 people around the globe, operating in Australia, China, the United States, Europe and the Middle East. The opportunities for growth are endless.
GALE Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need, not personal or protected attributes. We welcome applications from all cultural backgrounds, abilities and experiences. Please advise our team if you require assistance throughout the recruitment process.
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