Head of Operations

Hickory HR Pty Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Novated leasing

Parental leave

Employee rewards program

Employee wellbeing & EAP

Strategic leadership opportunity

Modern modular facility

Job summary

SYNC, based in Melbourne's Laverton North, seeks a Head of Operations to lead end-to-end manufacturing of bathroom pods and drive strategic performance. You will shape operational strategy, manage capacity, automation and workforce planning, and partner with Design, Commercial and Care teams to ensure quality and on-time delivery.

You will guide a senior operations team, implement continuous improvement, and align resources with current and future demand, while ensuring WHS compliance and

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in manufacturing, preferably high-volume.
• 5+ years in a senior operational leadership role (Head of Operations / Plant Manager).
• Proven experience leading large teams and complex manufacturing operations.
• Experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting.
• Production planning and capacity management experience.
• WHS, quality management, regulatory compliance knowledge.
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering/Manufacturing/Construction Management.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of end-to-end manufacturing operations, from material supply through to final assembly.
• Collaborate with Design, Commercial and Customer Care teams to align operations with project requirements and objectives.
• Drive performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost and on-time delivery.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and develop the operations leadership team to build a high-performing culture.
• Drive financial performance through budgeting, cost optimisation and efficiencies.
• Lead forecasting and capacity planning with Commercial to align capability with project pipeline.
• Develop long-term operational strategy including capacity, automation, equipment and workforce.
• Ensure compliance with WHS, quality assurance and industry standards.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean manufacturing

Budget management

Capacity planning

WHS knowledge

Engineering background

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing qualification

Job description

ABOUT US

SYNC's pioneering prefabrication, digital design, and manufacturing processes are setting a new benchmark in the prefabricated construction industry. Our dedicated engineers and designers manufacture high-quality, fully customised bathroom pods using state-of-the-art prefabrication techniques. With local manufacturing facilities in Melbourne's Laverton North, we work closely with architects, builders, and clients to create innovative and beautiful living environments.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Head of Operations will provide strategic leadership and direction across SYNC’s end-to-end manufacturing operations, ensuring our bathroom pods are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to the highest quality standards.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and executing operational strategies that drive business performance, enhance manufacturing capability and position SYNC for sustainable growth.

You will lead and develop the operations leadership team, drive continuous improvement and innovation, and collaborate closely with stakeholders across the business to ensure operational capacity, resources and capabilities align with current and future business demands.

WHAT SYNC CAN OFFER

• Novated Leases: Take advantage of novated leasing options to maximise your salary and enjoy tax savings on vehicle expenses.


• Family-Friendly Policies: Receive paid parental leave and continued superannuation contributions for eligible primary and secondary caregivers.


• H-Perks Employee Rewards: Enjoy exclusive employee discounts, cashback and special offers across everyday essentials, shopping, technology, fitness, travel and more.


• Employee Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for valuable support and resources.


• Strategic Leadership Opportunity: Play a key role in shaping SYNC's operational strategy, manufacturing capability and future growth.


• Modern Manufacturing Environment: Work within an innovative modular manufacturing facility where design and production work closely together to deliver high-quality prefabricated solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic oversight of end-to-end manufacturing operations, from material supply through to final assembly.


• Collaborate closely with Design, Commercial and Customer Care teams to align manufacturing operations with project requirements, customer expectations and business objectives, ensuring seamless project delivery.


• Drive operational performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost and on-time delivery.


• Develop and implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.


• Lead, coach and develop the operations leadership team, building a high-performing and accountable culture.


• Drive financial performance through effective budget management, cost optimisation and operational efficiencies


• Lead operational forecasting and capacity planning in partnership with Commercial, aligning manufacturing capability with the forward project pipeline


• Develop SYNC's long-term operational strategy, including manufacturing capacity, automation, technology, equipment and workforce capability.


• Ensure compliance with WHS requirements, industry standards and quality assurance processes.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE

• 10+ years' experience in manufacturing, ideally within a high-volume production environment.


• 5+ years' experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a Head of Operations, Operations Manager, Plant Manager or equivalent.


• Demonstrated experience leading large teams and complex manufacturing operations.


• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term operational strategies, including manufacturing capacity, automation and workforce planning.


• Proven success implementing lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and operational efficiencies.


• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, cost control and operational forecasting.


• Experience in production planning, capacity management and driving measurable operational outcomes.


• Sound knowledge of WHS, quality management, regulatory compliance and manufacturing systems.


• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction Management or a related discipline.


• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of the business.


• Experience within modular construction, prefabrication or a related manufacturing industry will be highly regarded.

Please note that we are managing this search internally and are not partnering with recruitment agencies for this position. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.