Mechanical Process Improvement Coordinator

AKD Softwoods; Colac; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AKD Softwoods in Colac, Victoria, is seeking a Mechanical Process Improvement Coordinator to join the Colac Maintenance team. You will identify, design and deliver projects that improve safety, reliability, efficiency and operational performance across Colac and Irrewarra sites.

The role requires strong mechanical problem-solving, project leadership and collaboration with maintenance, production and operations, with a focus on delivering safe, on-time, within-budget improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading process improvement projects in manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to coordinate across maintenance, production and operations.

Responsibilities

• Critically analyse manufacturing processes to identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead improvement projects across Colac and Irrewarra sites.
• Define scope, budget, timing and resources for projects.
• Deliver safety- and cost-focused process improvements.
• Provide mechanical/technical support to enhance equipment performance.
• Supervise contractors and maintenance staff on projects.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure health, safety and regulatory compliance across projects.
• Report progress against targets and maintain stakeholder relations.

Skills

Project leadership

Root Cause Analysis

Continuous Improvement

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Job description

Mechanical Process Improvement Coordinator

AKD is a successful forestry products company, growing and manufacturing sustainable quality timber products. With operations across Queensland, NSW and Victoria we have 1,000 plus strong team members who are passionate about our business!

AKD is proud of our diverse culture that supports empowered individuals, embraces teamwork, and encourages a simple action orientated ‘can do - make it happen’ attitude.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and technically capable Mechanical Process Improvement Coordinator to join our Colac Maintenance team. Reporting to the Asset Manager, this key leadership role will support the ongoing success of the Colac and Irrewarra operations by identifying, designing and delivering process improvement initiatives that improve safety, reliability, efficiency and operational performance.

This role is suited to someone who enjoys working closely with maintenance, production and operations teams to solve problems, lead improvement projects, support Root Cause Analysis activities and ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to agreed scope.

Key Responsibilities

• Critically analyse manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead and manage assigned improvement projects and initiatives across the Colac and Irrewarra sites.
• Define process improvement project requirements, including scope of work, budget and timing and required resources.
• Deliver process improvement activities to improve safety, process reliability, operating costs, maintenance costs with optimum product quality.
• Provide mechanical and technical support to improve equipment and process performance.
• Engage and supervise contractors and employees to implement improvement projects.
• Work with operations personnel to lead and participate in Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement investigations.
• Maintain a strong focus on health, safety, risk management and regulatory requirements across all projects.
• Provide regular reporting on project progress against agreed improvement targets.
• Build effective working relationships with maintenance, production, department managers and continuous improvement stakeholders.

About You

• You have a practical mechanical mindset and strong technical problem-solving ability.
• You are confident working in a manufacturing, maintenance or process improvement environment.
• You can plan, coordinate and deliver projects to agreed outcomes.
• You communicate clearly and can work collaboratively with maintenance, production and operational teams.
• You are proactive, improvement-focused and comfortable leading investigations and identifying practical solutions.
• You demonstrate a genuine commitment to health, safety, care and creating a harm-free workplace.

Why Join AKD?

• Join a values-led organisation with a strong focus on safety, care and continuous improvement.
• Play a key role in improving the performance of major manufacturing operations.
• Work closely with experienced maintenance, production and leadership teams.
• Contribute to practical projects that improve safety, efficiency, reliability and quality.
• Be part of a business that supports a simple, action-oriented “can do – make it happen” culture.

For further information please email or call Michael Swanson (Human Resources Manager) for a confidential conversation on 03 52319***.

Applications close: 12th October 2026

Note: Pre-employment drug and alcohol, along with functional capacity testing, may be required.