National Operations Manager – Heavy Vehicle Parts & Engineering

LJW Employment Solutions; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

National scope

Succession pathway to GM

Job summary

Hydrosteer is seeking a National Operations Manager to lead its four-branch national footprint in Australia, reporting to the owners. The role focuses on operational excellence, customer alignment, and growth initiatives across branches.

The successful candidate will drive governance, productivity, and inventory strategies, with a clear pathway to General Manager within 3–5 years and a comprehensive remuneration package including a car allowance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience in multi-site operational leadership.
• Background in heavy commercial vehicles, automotive engineering, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success managing geographically dispersed teams and branches.

Responsibilities

• Lead national operations across four branch locations.
• Chair and facilitate fortnightly operations meetings.
• Drive operational governance and consistency across sites.
• Monitor branch performance through KPI development and reporting.
• Manage workshop productivity, labour utilisation and production outcomes.
• Oversee fleet, plant and equipment management.
• Oversee inventory optimisation and stock performance initiatives.
• Collaborate with Sales and Purchasing Managers to maximise outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Operations Management

Strategic Planning

Budget Management

Education

Business/Operations/Engineering degree

Tools

Business reporting systems

Job description

National Operations Manager – Heavy Vehicle Parts & Engineering

National Operations Manager – Heavy Vehicle Parts & Engineering
Respected industry leader | Pathway to General Manager | National Scope

Bayswater - VIC

• Join Australia's leading heavy vehicle power steering specialist

• National operational leadership role across four interstate branches

• Clear succession pathway to General Manager within 3-5 years

• Attractive remuneration package: Negotiable circa $150,000 + Superannuation + Car Allowance

The Company

Hydrosteer is a well-established Australian engineering business and market leader in the design, remanufacture, supply and support of heavy vehicle power steering systems and components for both OEM and aftermarket customers.

With a strong reputation built on technical expertise, product quality and customer service, Hydrosteer supports heavy vehicle operators, workshops and distributors throughout Australia from its national branch network.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the business owners, the National Operations Manager will play a pivotal leadership role in driving operational excellence, branch performance and sustainable growth across Hydrosteer's national footprint.

This is far more than a traditional operations role. You will be a key contributor to strategic business decisions, providing the critical link between customer needs, workshop production, inventory management and commercial outcomes.

The successful candidate will lead and support interstate teams, improve operational efficiency, strengthen customer relationships and help position the business for its next stage of growth.

This position offers a genuine opportunity to progress into a General Manager role within the next 3-5 years.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead national operations across four branch locations

• Chair and facilitate fortnightly operations meetings

• Drive operational governance and consistency across all sites

• Monitor branch performance through KPI development and reporting

• Manage workshop productivity, labour utilisation and production outcomes

• Oversee fleet, plant and equipment management

• Drive inventory optimisation and stock performance initiatives

• Support heavy vehicle parts sales growth through operational alignment

• Collaborate closely with Sales and Purchasing Managers to maximise business outcomes

• Implement continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives

• Lead, mentor and develop branch managers and workshop leadership teams

• Support key customer relationships and major account initiatives

• Contribute to strategic planning, business development and succession planning initiatives

Key Requirements & Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 7 years' experience in multi-site operational leadership

• Background within heavy commercial vehicles, automotive engineering, component remanufacturing, truck parts, industrial services or related sectors

• Demonstrated success managing geographically dispersed teams and branches

Commercial Capability

• Proven track record in heavy truck parts sales and aftermarket operations

• Strong understanding of sales support, inventory management and profitability drivers

• Experience aligning operational performance with commercial objectives

Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to build, mentor and hold teams accountable

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

• Experience managing branch managers, workshop supervisors and technical personnel

Operational Expertise

• Strong understanding of workshop operations, quality systems and production management

• Experience with labour efficiency, scheduling and capacity planning

• Proven ability to implement process improvements that drive measurable results

Financial & Business Acumen

• Experience managing operating budgets and cost control initiatives

• Strong understanding of inventory performance, stock turns and asset utilisation

• Ability to analyse performance data and make informed business decisions

Technical Knowledge

• Sound knowledge of heavy vehicle components and systems

• Experience within power steering, drivetrain, suspension, hydraulic or related mechanical systems will be highly regarded

Systems & Travel

• Competent with business reporting systems

• Willingness to undertake periodic interstate travel as required

Qualifications

• Qualifications in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Automotive Technology or a related discipline will be highly regarded

What's On Offer?

• Senior leadership role with significant influence across the business

• National responsibility and broad operational exposure

• Opportunity to work directly with business owners

• Strong and established Australian brand with market-leading position

• Supportive and collaborative leadership environment

• Clear pathway to General Manager succession

• Attractive remuneration package including car allowance

• Long-term career opportunity within a growing business

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