Engineering-Led Operations Manager (PLC & Automation)

Sourceable Talent; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Sourceable Talent is seeking an Operations & Engineering Manager in South East Queensland to own a highly automated bulk materials operation. You will balance hands-on plant leadership with a strategic view on asset renewal and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include leading PLC-controlled production, driving reliability, and managing capital projects while coordinating with planning and sales to meet demand. A strong engineering background and hands-on leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in engineering (mechanical, electrical, process or similar) or equivalent with strong depth in engineering.
• Proven experience managing a production or processing operation with complex, automated (PLC-controlled) equipment.
• Demonstrated experience leading capital projects and asset renewal programs.
• Strong people leadership skills with credibility to manage experienced frontline staff.
• Commercial acumen and comfort owning budgets, KPIs and reporting.
• Hands-on, site-based leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day production and processing operations to meet volume, quality and cost targets.
• Own the engineering integrity of PLC-controlled production equipment, including fault-finding, performance optimisation and reliability improvement.
• Lead capital and asset renewal projects, engaging with specialist engineering contractors and designers.
• Apply structured continuous improvement methods to reduce downtime and lift production performance.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership to a small team of production and plant supervisors.
• Coordinate closely with sales and planning to ensure production keeps pace with demand.
• Manage budgets, reporting and inventory/stock processes for the operation.
• Champion safety leadership and compliance across all production and engineering activities.

Skills

Engineering leadership

PLC control systems

Asset management

People leadership

Budgeting & reporting

Site operations

Education

Engineering degree (mechanical/electrical/process)

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA/ control systems

Job description

Sourceable Talent is seeking an Operations & Engineering Manager in South East Queensland to own a highly automated bulk materials operation. You will balance hands-on plant leadership with a strategic view on asset renewal and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include leading PLC-controlled production, driving reliability, and managing capital projects while coordinating with planning and sales to meet demand. A strong engineering background and hands-on leadership are essential.