Factory Manager - Manufacturing (Geelong based)

Heaton Rail Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Heaton Rail Pty Ltd in Geelong is seeking a seasoned Factory Manager to lead a heavy manufacturing facility, directing production, quality, maintenance, safety and people performance. This is a full-time, permanent role on day shift with an immediate start, offering the chance to shape operational excellence across the site and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, a track record in similar environments, and a passion for safe, reliable

Qualifications

• Experience in factory or manufacturing leadership roles.
• Strong background in heavy industry environments (rail, transport, mining, defence).
• Proven ability to coach frontline leaders and manage safety, quality and performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across production, quality, maintenance and safety.
• Coach and develop frontline leaders and operational teams.
• Drive productivity, plant reliability and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships and lead organizational change.
• Maintain high standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

Skills

Frontline leadership

Team coaching

Safety & quality focus

Production & maintenance understanding

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing / Operations

Job description

Factory Manager - Manufacturing (Geelong based)

We’re currently recruiting for an experienced Factory Manager to lead an established heavy manufacturing facility in Geelong. This is a senior site leadership opportunity with responsibility for manufacturing operations, production, quality, maintenance, safety and people performance. This is a full-time, permanent, day‑shift position with an immediate start available.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day manufacturing operations across production, quality, maintenance, safety and overall site performance
• Manage, coach and develop frontline leaders, supervisors and operational teams
• Drive operational performance, productivity, plant reliability and continuous improvement
• Build and manage strong relationships across the workforce, leading organisational and operational change effectively
• Maintain high standards of safety, quality, compliance and manufacturing performance

Skills and Requirements

• Qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Operations Management or a related discipline will be highly regarded
• Proven experience in Factory Management, Manufacturing Management, Plant Management, Production Management, Operations Management or similar manufacturing leadership roles
• Strong manufacturing experience within heavy industry, rail, transport, infrastructure, mining, defence or other industrial production environments
• Strong understanding of production, maintenance, quality, safety and operational performance within a manufacturing environment
• Experience leading and coaching supervisors, managers or other operational leaders

About Us

Heaton undertakes work both locally and internationally for some of the world’s best heavy industry organisations that make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day. We help our clients do more, faster and better by connecting them with bright and passionate engineering, management and specialist talent in the fastest way possible.