General Manager - Steel SA

at; Kingsford; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Health insurance discounts

Paid parental leave

Employee Donation Scheme

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Ahrens is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead its Steel SA division. This role requires a strong background in structural steel fabrication or heavy industrial manufacturing and proven leadership abilities.

Your responsibilities will include developing business strategies, overseeing production efficiency, and promoting a high-performance culture focused on safety and quality. Ahrens values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in structural steel fabrication or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Proven track record in a senior leadership or General Manager role.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of business strategies.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Commercial acumen

Project delivery

Safety compliance

Education

Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline

Job description

Ahrens is a fifth-generation, Australian family-owned company, with over 120 years’ experience in delivering a wide range of high-quality and cost-effective products and projects across Australia, with footprints overseas.

Our growth has culminated in the business we are today: a full Construction, Engineering, Mining & Industrial Services, Sheds & Silos and Water Storage company which provides complete turnkey project solutions, supported by our 26 divisions.

As we continue to evolve, so does our need to heavily invest in our people and facilities for continued success.

With almost 2,000 employees Australia-wide, we foster a positive and supportive team culture which embraces diversity and innovation, while aligning with our core values of commitment, integrity and safety. In return, we reward those who passionately work with us towards our vision.

About the Role

We are currently seeking an experienced General Manager with a strong background in structural steel fabrication or heavy industrial manufacturing to lead the overall performance and growth of Steel SA.

This position will suit a hands‑on leader with proven commercial acumen, strong people leadership skills, and the ability to drive performance across sales, production, procurement, and site operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of business strategies to drive revenue growth, market share, and profitability
• Monitor KPIs across all functions and implement corrective actions where required
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, reviewing project margins to improve profitability
• Oversee sales strategy, client engagement, and the preparation of competitive, commercially viable tenders

Production & Supply Chain

• Oversee fabrication activities, driving production efficiency, capacity planning, and workflow optimisation
• Manage local and international procurement strategies to ensure cost-effective, reliable sourcing of materials
• Coordinate logistics and distribution of fabricated steel components, optimising freight and inventory management
• Lead site erection operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality structural steel installation

Safety, Quality & People

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with WHS, environmental, and quality standards
• Lead, mentor, and develop departmental managers and teams, building organisational capability and succession planning
• Drive a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement
• Support recruitment and retention of skilled personnel in line with business needs

About You

• Degree qualified or equivalent experience in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline
• 10+ years' experience in structural steel fabrication or heavy industrial manufacturing
• Proven track record in a senior leadership or General Manager role
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes, erection practices, and end-to-end project delivery
• Experience managing international procurement and complex supply chains
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and contract management capability

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program, supporting you and your family’s health & wellbeing
• Discounts to some of Australia’s leading corporate partners in private health insurance, gyms, travel, clothing, vehicles and more
• Generous paid parental leave entitlements to support you and your family
• Annual Employee Donation Scheme to support a charity/cause of your choice
• Opportunities for career progression

Ahrens are Equal Opportunity employers who recognise the value in a diverse workforce. We are dedicated to promoting an inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all genders and people of Indigenous backgrounds.