Lead the production behind a craft that people love.
Keane Ceramics is a long-standing manufacturing business on the Central Coast and a true pillar in the creative community. For decades, they’ve supplied clay and ceramic materials to artists, schools, studios, and hobbyists across Australia, keeping a much-loved craft alive through quality products.
Thread Recruitment is proud to support them as they continue to grow, and they are now seeking a Production Lead to take ownership of day-to-day production, support and manage the team on the floor, and strengthen plant reliability to ensure production continues running at the high standard the business is known for.
If you’re a hands-on leader who enjoys working side-by-side with your team and being part of a business where you can see the impact of your work is real and visible, this is the role for you.
What You’ll Be DoingYou’ll lead daily production within a small manufacturing plant, with a strong focus on reliability, preventative maintenance, and bringing more structure to production operations.
You will:Oversee daily production to keep output consistent and on scheduleSupervise and develop a small team on the floor, setting clear prioritiesDiagnose faults and carry out minor repairs or adjustments where possibleCoordinate routine maintenance, servicing, and major repairsImplement preventative maintenance to reduce breakdowns and downtimeWork with the Operations Manager on production planningMaintain a safe, organised, and efficient production environmentIdentify practical ways to improve reliability, safety, and efficiencySupport future equipment, process, or production changes
Who You AreYou’re a hands-on leader who enjoys being in the action. You’re comfortable in a small plant environment, confident around machinery, and the kind of person who notices problems early and gets on top of them before they become bigger issues.
You’ll have:5+ years’ experience in manufacturing, production, or plant environmentsExperience leading small teams Strong mechanical aptitude and confidence around machineryExperience coordinating maintenance, servicing, or equipment repairsA steady, pragmatic leadership styleA forklift licence, or willingness to obtain one
Bonus if you’ve worked in:Ceramics / concrete / batching / quarry / materials / food / plastics / timberSmall manufacturing plantsDust / materials / silica environmentsTrade or mechanical backgrounds
Why Join Keane CeramicsKeane Ceramics is a business with real history, heart, and pride behind it. Family-rooted and female-led, it’s built on high standards, genuine care, and a close-knit team who show up with purpose.
The work done here supports a craft that matters deeply to people and communities. What leaves the plant isn’t just another product, it becomes a meaningful part of homes, schools, and creative spaces across Australia.
This is a place where quality matters, people communicate openly, and good work is valued. You’ll be trusted to lead from the front, strengthen how the plant runs, and make a meaningful contribution to a business that takes pride in what it makes.
What you’ll get:Stable, long-term role in a well-established businessSteady hours, no shifts, no overtime, no weekendsSmall team where your contribution has real impactSupportive, collaborative leadershipOpportunity to improve systems and plant reliabilityA role where your work genuinely matters
How to ApplyIf you want to lead meaningful work, build a stronger operation, and see the result in what leaves the plant each day, let’s talk.
Apply now or reach out to for a confidential conversation.