Operations Manager

Our client is an established, privately owned Perth manufacturing business supplying customised products across a range of commercial and consumer markets. With continued growth ahead, they are investing in the systems, processes and leadership capability required to support the next stage of the business.

About the role

A well-established, privately owned manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead its day-to-day production operations and support its continued growth.

This is a newly created and influential position suited to a proactive, hands-on leader who can bring greater structure, consistency and accountability to a busy manufacturing environment.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will review current operations, identify opportunities for improvement and introduce practical systems across production, inventory management, workplace safety and team performance.

This is not a purely administrative management role. You will maintain a visible presence within the production environment, work closely with employees and take direct ownership of implementing improvements.

What you'll be doing

• Own the end-to-end production workflow: design checking, material ordering, cutting, bending, and welding through to dispatch for powdercoating and final product assembly

• Ensure all fabrication is carried out in accordance with Australian Standards and approved job design and engineering specifications

• Plan and schedule production to meet committed customer delivery dates, in coordination with sales and installation teams

• Lead, roster, and develop the production team, including apprentices and tradespeople, to build capability and accountability on the floor

• Manage raw material and consumables stock levels, supplier ordering, and receival to avoid production delays and stockouts

• Monitor and report on production KPIs, including throughput, quality/rework rates, on-time completion, and cost per job

• Identify and resolve quality issues, non-conformances, and production bottlenecks, implementing corrective and preventative action

• Maintain a safe, compliant, and well-organised production environment, and champion a strong safety culture on the floor

• Work closely with senior leadership on capacity planning, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives

Key projects in your first 6 months

Alongside day-to-day operations, you will be accountable for delivering three foundational projects that will shape how they manufacture going forward:

1.    Standardise product design and engineering documentation

Lead the standardisation of design and engineering documentation across the full product range to produce consistent, accurate, Australian Standards-compliant drawings that the floor can build from without ambiguity, and that can also support customer-facing use. The business is willing to arrange external professional support to complete this project.

2.    Build and implement an effective inventory management system

Design and roll out a fit-for-purpose inventory management system for raw materials, componentry, and consumables, giving real-time visibility of stock on hand, reducing production delays caused by shortages, and tightening the link between purchasing, job scheduling, and the job management system.

3.    Roll out the company WHS Plan

Take ownership of implementing the company WHS Plan on the production floor, embedding safe work practices, inductions, and reporting so that compliance and a strong safety culture become part of daily operations.

The ideal candidate

You will be an experienced manufacturing or production leader who enjoys improving how a business operates.

You are comfortable working within a business where some systems are still developing. Rather than being frustrated by that, you see the opportunity to build practical solutions, improve accountability and make a measurable difference.

To be successful, you will ideally bring:

• Proven experience as an Operations Manager, Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager or senior Production Supervisor

• Experience within manufacturing, fabrication, engineering, building products or a related industrial environment

• Demonstrated ability to introduce and improve operational systems

• Strong production planning, workflow and people-management capabilities

• Practical knowledge of inventory control and materials management

• A sound understanding of workplace health and safety requirements

• The confidence to lead change and manage employee performance

• Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills

• A reliable, autonomous and accountable working style

• Genuine drive and the desire to improve business performance

Experience within a made-to-order or customised manufacturing environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

What’s of offer

• Salary of $110,000–$130,000 + bonus, negotiable according to experience

• Performance-based bonus structure

• Direct access to senior business leadership

• The authority to implement meaningful operational improvements

• An opportunity to build and shape the operational function

• A permanent role with an established and growing WA business

This opportunity will suit an ambitious operational leader who wants more than a business-as-usual management role. You will have the scope to improve systems, develop people and make a lasting contribution to the business.

How to apply

Please apply online with an up-to-date résumé together with a cover letter outlining your relevant manufacturing, production and operational leadership experience.

All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.