Operations Manager

Howmet Aerospace; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Annual discretionary bonus

Vehicle allowance

Superannuation salary sacrifice (5%)

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead the Melbourne manufacturing and distribution site. You will oversee end-to-end operations, safety, quality, delivery and continuous improvement with accountability for budget and workforce performance.

The role requires a strong track record in mature manufacturing environments, superb leadership, and the ability to drive financial and operational results while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, operations management or another relevant discipline is mandatory.
• 10+ years manufacturing experience with at least 5 years in progressive leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading a manufacturing site or major operation.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning and performance management.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety, regulatory compliance and quality.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen including budgets and forecasts.
• Ability to lead and develop teams, manage change and drive a positive culture.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive or highly regulated manufacturing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for safe, compliant and effective operation of the Melbourne manufacturing and distribution facility.
• Provide visible leadership across the site and promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute annual operational, manufacturing, revenue and workforce plans.
• Coordinate manufacturing and site activities with supporting departments to meet business objectives and customer requirements.
• Oversee production planning, manufacturing performance, warehousing, distribution and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety requirements, quality standards and company policies.
• Monitor site performance against metrics such as safety, quality, delivery, OEE, productivity and cost.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance.
• Lead, coach and develop managers and employees; address performance and capability matters.
• Build workforce capability through succession planning and engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Budgeting

Financial acumen

Change management

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, operations management

Job description

• Job Schedule Full time

Responsibilities

Operations Manager – Site & Manufacturing

Howmet Fastening Systems, part of Howmet Aerospace, is a leading designer and manufacturer of aerospace and industrial fasteners, latches, fluid fittings and installation tools. Our products are used across commercial and military aircraft, jet engines, industrial gas turbines, automotive and commercial transportation, renewable energy, construction and industrial equipment.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take overall responsibility for the leadership, operation and performance of our Melbourne manufacturing and distribution site.

This is a senior, hands‑on site leadership position with end‑to‑end accountability for manufacturing, distribution and day‑to‑day site operations. The Operations Manager will ensure the facility operates safely, efficiently and in accordance with Howmet’s quality, environmental and operational standards.

The successful candidate will provide visible leadership across the site, develop a high‑performing workforce and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Take overall responsibility for the safe, compliant and effective operation of the Melbourne manufacturing and distribution facility.

Provide visible leadership across the site and promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Develop and execute annual operational, manufacturing, revenue and workforce plans.

Coordinate manufacturing and site activities with supporting departments to ensure business objectives and customer requirements are achieved.

Oversee production planning, manufacturing performance, warehousing, distribution and inventory management.

Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety requirements, quality standards, company policies and applicable legislation.

Monitor site and manufacturing performance against key metrics, including safety, quality, delivery, OEE, productivity, cost and profitability.

Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen financial performance.

Ensure customer requirements are met and that operational or quality concerns are investigated and resolved promptly.

Lead, coach and develop managers, supervisors and employees, including addressing performance and capability matters appropriately.

Build workforce capability through succession planning, skills development and employee engagement.

Manage site budgets, forecasts and operational expenditure, using financial and performance data to support effective decision‑making.

Ensure appropriate site risk management, business continuity and contingency plans are maintained.

Work collaboratively with local, regional and global stakeholders to support Howmet’s broader business objectives.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, operations management or another relevant discipline is mandatory.

At least 10 years’ experience within a manufacturing environment, including a minimum of five years in progressively responsible leadership positions.

Demonstrated experience leading a manufacturing site or a significant manufacturing operation.

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, continuous improvement and operational performance management.

Proven commitment to workplace health and safety, regulatory compliance and quality.

Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasts and operational performance.

Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage change and build a positive and accountable workplace culture.

Excellent communication, stakeholder management, decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.

Experience within aerospace, automotive or another highly regulated manufacturing environment will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

Competitive salary package.

Annual discretionary bonus.

Vehicle allowance.

Superannuation salary sacrifice arrangements, with company matching of up to 5%.

Employee Assistance Program services.

On‑site physiotherapy.

Convenient Clayton South location within walking distance of a train station and other public transport.

Join Our Team

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to take responsibility for an established Melbourne operation and play a key role in its continued performance and development.