2IC Production

About the role

The 2IC Production, is the Production Manager's senior operational and technical deputy. The role supports daily production leadership, acts within delegated authority when the Production Manager is unavailable, and delivers complete projects or defined project components from production handover through fabrication, installation and close-out. The role provides advanced hands-on capability in Rhino, spatial and architectural design, product and industrial design, materials, structures, detailing and production methods. Although Cardboard Mill works almost exclusively with cardboard and paper-based materials, the role must understand broader material behaviour and construction principles and apply that knowledge to efficient, buildable cardboard outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Accept assigned projects or components into Production when the brief, design intent, scope, dimensions, materials, finishes, quantity, budget assumptions, milestones, approvals and handover responsibilities are sufficiently clear, or as directed by the Production Manager
• Plan assigned work from production handover through technical resolution, manufacture, quality checks, packing, freight, installation, handover and close-out
• Support the production and project schedule; coordinate people and equipment within delegated priorities, identify dependencies and communicate capacity constraints or delivery risks early
• Lead complete projects or defined components as allocated, and clarify ownership, deliverables and reporting lines before work begins
• Manage assigned concurrent work across short-run, bespoke and large-scale projects while maintaining visibility of deadlines, labour, materials and critical approvals
• Develop, review and resolve Rhino models, production geometry, technical drawings, specifications and handover packs
• Apply advanced spatial, architectural, product and industrial design judgement to feasibility, structure, material behaviour, construction methods, human use, transport, installation, dismantling and recovery
• Lead complex prototypes, production trials and first-offs; test assumptions, document decisions and resolve technical issues before full production wherever practical
• Coordinate packing, freight, delivery and installation for assigned work, including site access, vehicles, equipment, crew, inductions, sequencing, contacts, contingencies and handover requirements
• Coach Project Managers and production staff in Rhino and technical practice, project ownership, quality, safety, communication and reliable follow-through

About you

• Demonstrated experience as a technical designer, production lead or project manager in custom fabrication, exhibitions, events, displays, product development, packaging, theatre, manufacturing or a related design-and-make environment
• Experience delivering complete projects and technically complex components from production handover through design resolution, manufacture, logistics, installation and close-out
• Advanced practical knowledge of spatial and architectural design principles, product or industrial design, materials, structures, tolerances, prototyping, fabrication, finishing, packing and installation
• Advanced working proficiency in Rhino, including accurate complex 3D modelling, production geometry, file organisation, revision control and troubleshooting
• Ability to produce and review clear technical drawings, specifications, prototypes and production information, and to identify missing or conflicting requirements
• Strong project-management capability, including scope control, scheduling, resource coordination, risk management, stakeholder communication and documentation
• Sound commercial judgement, including awareness of labour, material usage, supplier costs, rework, freight and the effects of technical decisions on margin and delivery
• Confident client and stakeholder communication, including the ability to explain design and production constraints, options and decisions in plain language
• Experience guiding or mentoring technical, project or production staff, with a consistent commitment to safe work, quality control and reliable systems
• Ability to work safely in an active production environment and comply with site rules, induction requirements and required personal protective equipment

About us

The Cardboard Mill is Australia’s leading sustainable creative studio, crafting innovative, eco-friendly projects for theatre, TV, tradeshows, installations, and events. We work with recyclable materials, aiming for zero environmental impact, BCorp and ISO Certified, SEDEX Member, and FSC compliant with a zero-carbon approach. Cardboard Mill Pty Limited is located at 50 Mologa Road, Heidelberg West VIC.

https:cardboardmill.com.au

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