Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Network Consulting Pty Ltd; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Consulting Pty Ltd in Adelaide is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the engineering function within a global manufacturing operation. You will drive capital projects, modernise equipment and collaborate with maintenance and operations to improve plant capability, reliability and efficiency.

This role focuses on engineering leadership, continuous improvement and strategic investment, with opportunities to mentor a multidisciplinary team and shape longer-term manufacturing strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proven engineering leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Strong track record delivering CAPEX projects and plant improvements.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing machinery, automation and processes.
• Experience working with maintenance teams to improve reliability.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Manage capital projects from concept and business case through installation, commissioning and handover.
• Identify opportunities to modernise manufacturing equipment, automation and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement to increase productivity, efficiency and equipment performance.
• Work with maintenance and production teams to improve plant reliability and minimise downtime.
• Oversee engineering budgets, technical specifications, contractors and suppliers.
• Ensure engineering activities comply with WHS, machinery safety, environmental and manufacturing standards.
• Support longer-term engineering strategies and plant improvement initiatives.

Skills

Engineering leadership

CAPEX delivery

Lean manufacturing

People management

Commercial decisions

Maintenance coordination

Education

BEng Mechanical

Job description

Lead engineering innovation, drive capital investment and make a measurable impact within a global manufacturing business.

We are partnering with a well-established global manufacturer to appoint an experienced Engineering Manager to its Adelaide manufacturing operation.

This is an opportunity for a technically strong engineering leader who enjoys developing people, delivering capital projects and improving manufacturing performance.

With a dedicated maintenance supervisory structure in place, the role offers the opportunity to focus on engineering leadership, plant modernisation, continuous improvement and strategic capital projects, while maintaining close collaboration with the maintenance and operations teams.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing, you will lead the engineering function, working closely with production, maintenance and other operational stakeholders to improve plant capability, reliability and efficiency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Manage capital projects from concept and business case through to installation, commissioning and handover.
• Identify opportunities to modernise manufacturing equipment, automation and production processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, efficiency and equipment performance.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance and production teams to improve plant reliability and minimise downtime.
• Oversee engineering budgets, technical specifications, contractors and equipment suppliers.
• Ensure engineering activities comply with WHS, machinery safety, environmental and relevant manufacturing standards.
• Support longer-term engineering strategies and plant improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in speaking with Engineering Managers, Manufacturing Engineering Managers, Technical Managers and experienced Senior Engineers who are ready for broader leadership responsibility.

Ideally, you will bring:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven engineering leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience delivering CAPEX projects, equipment upgrades and plant improvements.
• Sound technical understanding of manufacturing machinery, automation and production processes.
• Experience working with maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong people leadership, stakeholder management and commercial decision-making skills.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance technical expertise and strategic thinking.
• Experience in medical packaging, FMCG packaging, plastics, food and beverage, or automated manufacturing would be particularly relevant. However, candidates from other complex manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join an established global manufacturing organisation.
• Take ownership of meaningful engineering and capital improvement initiatives.
• Lead and develop an established engineering function.
• Influence plant performance, technology improvements and future investment.
• Work closely with an experienced manufacturing leadership team.
• Enjoy a role combining technical challenges, people leadership and longer‑term strategic impact.