Operations Manager

Blackbook Recruitment; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackbook Recruitment seeks an experienced Operations Manager to own a manufacturing plant in Melbourne, driving safety, quality, delivery and people. This hands-on leader balances daily execution with strategic thinking, advancing continuous improvement through Lean Six Sigma and digital manufacturing.

You will lead safety culture, manage the production plan and budget, and collaborate with HR, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering and Finance to meet customer and business goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience leading a manufacturing site.
• Strong technical/engineering knowledge in lean manufacturing.
• Experience driving digital manufacturing & automation.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety, quality and environmental performance across the site.
• Own execution of the production plan, OEE, quality, scrap reduction and cost targets.
• Lead the site's Lean Six Sigma operating system: standard work, 5S, root-cause solving, improvement portfolio.
• Drive adoption of digital manufacturing tools, automation and data-led decision making.
• Partner with HR on workforce planning and industrial relations strategy.
• Manage the annual manufacturing budget and report on performance against plan.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Sales, Quality, Engineering and Finance to meet objectives.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

People leadership

Digital manufacturing

Budgeting

Industrial relations

Job description

Operations Manager

We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to drive world class production performance, build a strong safety and lean culture, and shape the future of our plant through smart use of technology and data.

About the Role

You'll take full ownership of the manufacturing plant and lead and drive safety, quality, delivery & people. This is a hands on leadership role for someone who can balance day to day operational execution with longer term strategic thinking, driving continuous improvement through Lean Six Sigma and digital manufacturing.

What You'll Do

• Champion safety, quality and environmental performance across the site, with a visible, hands-on leadership style
• Own execution of the production plan, OEE, quality, scrap reduction and cost targets
• Lead the site's Lean Six Sigma operating system, driving standard work, 5S, root-cause problem solving and a prioritised improvement portfolio
• Drive adoption of digital manufacturing tools, automation and data led decision making to improve plant performance
• Partner with HR on workforce planning, employee relations and industrial relations strategy
• Manage the annual manufacturing budget and report on performance against plan
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Sales, Quality, Engineering and Finance to meet customer and business objectives

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience leading a manufacturing site
• Strong technical and engineering knowledge, with a track record in lean manufacturing
• Experience driving digital manufacturing & automation
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience managing teams and building capability
• Experience with budgeting, capital planning and industrial/employee relations
• Solid understanding of safety, quality and environmental compliance

Why This Role

• Salary Guide $190K - $240K (incl of super) plus STI Bonus
• Real ownership — drive meaningful change and lead the digital transformation of a global manufacturing business
• Direct line to progression
• A culture that builds capability, trust, ownership and succession