Operations Leader - Timber Manufacturing & Lean Improvement

Crafted Hardwoods; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Crafted Hardwoods in Adelaide seeks a production/operations leader to oversee the DPU and fabrication lines, ensuring on-time delivery and strong cost control. You will implement SOPs, lead a growing team, and drive continuous improvement across throughput and waste reduction.

The role requires experience in timber or engineered materials, hands-on people management, and accountability for safety, quality, and budget. A builder mindset and adherence to certifications are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in production or operations management in timber or engineered materials.
• Direct people management experience with performance development.
• Budget accountability and financial literacy at a production level.
• Strong knowledge of WHS obligations in manufacturing.
• Experience with certified chain of custody systems (FSC/PEFC/ISO).
• Familiarity with CNC production environments and scheduling.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
• Experience in a growth-stage business building operational processes.
• Builder mindset with ability to create structure and process.
• Honest, direct communication and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all production operations across DPU, band-saw, and finishing processes.
• Manage production scheduling to meet customer commitments.
• Drive throughput, yield efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Develop, document, and embed SOPs across the facility.
• Directly manage production staff, rostering and performance management.
• Foster a positive workplace culture aligned with CHW's values and No Ego Policy.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones and support growth within the team.
• Support CHW's Chain of Custody obligations (FSC/PEFC) through production.
• Maintain WHS obligations per South Australian legislation.
• Own the operational budget and monitor monthly/annual targets.

Skills

Production management

People management

Budget accountability

WHS compliance

Quality/CoC systems

CNC production

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Growth-stage operations

Accountability

Job description

Crafted Hardwoods in Adelaide seeks a production/operations leader to oversee the DPU and fabrication lines, ensuring on-time delivery and strong cost control. You will implement SOPs, lead a growing team, and drive continuous improvement across throughput and waste reduction.

The role requires experience in timber or engineered materials, hands-on people management, and accountability for safety, quality, and budget. A builder mindset and adherence to certifications are essential.