Operations Manager

Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd

Port Augusta

On-site

AUD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Secure on-site parking

Mentoring programs

8 weeks paid parental leave

Career development and progression

Job summary

Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd in Port Augusta is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to deliver projects in line with our standards and governance. You will lead site teams, manage budgets and schedules, and drive safety and performance across heavy maintenance activities.

You will build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, identify improvements, and lead a culture of zero-harm while ensuring timely delivery of all outputs.

Qualifications

Tertiary or formal qualifications in Management, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a relevant trade qualification; alternatively significant proven experience in a similar role.
Minimum of 10 years' experience in a similar role.
Demonstrated commitment to delivering a high level of customer service.
Strong leadership and people management capabilities.

Responsibilities

Responsible for all site-based projects ensuring delivery within agreed timelines, budgets and quality performance and functionality requirements.
Drive commercial growth by identifying and developing opportunities with a focus on the heavy haul (HH) market.
Achieve local operational budgets and targets while contributing to overall company KPIs.
Maintain full accountability for local operational budgets, strategic planning and execution.
Identify and implement initiatives to improve safety, reduce costs, improve efficiency and maximise operational utilisation.
Develop and manage operational plans and budgets for approval.
Build and maintain strong business relationships with key customers and stakeholders.
Oversee all manufacturing, maintenance and production processes to ensure optimal performance.
Evaluate and recommend capital expenditure to support operational and strategic objectives.
Ensure all products and services meet agreed quality standards.
Lead and embed Progress Rail’s Safety Driven culture promoting a zero-harm environment through proactive safety leadership, risk management and compliance with all HSE policies and legislation.
Ensure timely reporting of all injuries, incidents, hazards and Health and Safety issues.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Operations leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in Management/Engineering

Relevant trade qualification

Job description

Progress Rail is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. and a leading provider of rolling stock, infrastructure and advanced technologies for global rail customers. The company delivers EMD® locomotives and engines, trackwork, signaling, fasteners, and comprehensive locomotive and freight car services, along with aftermarket parts and recycling. Its technology portfolio includes data analytics, automation, connected assets, predictive maintenance and yard optimization tools. With support from Caterpillar and a network of nearly 150 locations worldwide, Progress Rail delivers innovative, reliable solutions to the rail industry. Learn more at progressrail.com

About the Role:

The Operations Manager is responsible for delivering assigned projects in alignment with Progress Rail’s operational standards and policies operating within delegated authority from the Heavy Maintenance Director and in accordance with the governance frameworks and approval limits established by Progress Rail. This role requires a dedicated leader who is willing to help solve both our customers and our employees toughest challenges.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for all site-based projects ensuring delivery within agreed timelines, budgets and quality performance and functionality requirements

Drive commercial growth by identifying and developing opportunities with a focus on the heavy haul (HH) market

Achieve local operational budgets and targets while contributing to overall company KPIs

Maintain full accountability for local operational budgets, strategic planning and execution

Identify and implement initiatives to improve safety, reduce costs, improve efficiency and maximise operational utilisation

Develop and manage operational plans and budgets for approval

Build and maintain strong business relationships with key customers and stakeholders

Oversee all manufacturing, maintenance and production processes to ensure optimal performance

Evaluate and recommend capital expenditure to support operational and strategic objectives

Ensure all products and services meet agreed quality standards

Lead and embed Progress Rail’s Safety Driven culture promoting a zero-harm environment through proactive safety leadership, risk management and compliance with all HSE policies and legislation

Ensure timely reporting of all injuries, incidents, hazards and Health and Safety issues

About you:

Tertiary or formal qualifications in Management, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a relevant trade qualification; alternatively significant proven experience in a similar role

Minimum of 10 years' experience in a similar role

You lead by example and demonstrate visible felt leadership in daily operations

You possess a strong leadership presence, ensuring your support and presence is felt by the team on the ground

You build teams through identifying talent, coaching and mentoring employees, setting them up for future career opportunities and success.

Demonstrated commitment to delivering a high level of customer service

Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively

Proven experience managing an engineering or maintenance facility with strong capability in workforce management, industrial relations, awards, dispute resolution, planning, scheduling and budgeting

Proven track record in business development including successful negotiation at a senior management level

Extensive project management experience ideally within the rail industry

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Demonstrated commercial acumen with the ability to identify and deliver profitable long-term business opportunities

Well-developed stakeholder management and relationship-building skills

Formal management training or equivalent leadership development

Supporting and rewarding our workforce

A supportive, inclusive and collaborative team culture where everyone is encouraged to contribute and succeed.

Ongoing training and development opportunities designed to help you grow your skills and progress your career.

Secure on‑site parking to support a comfortable and convenient workday.

Genuine career development and internal progression opportunities within Progress Rail.

Access to mentoring programs that support learning, confidence, and long‑term career success.

8 weeks’ paid parental leave at full pay for the primary carer after 12 months of service, supporting families and work‑life balance.

About Our Process

At Progress Rail, we’re proud to build a workplace grounded in strong values, collaboration and opportunity. We’re looking for motivated individuals who not only meet the requirements of the role but who are excited to contribute to our culture and shared success.

As part of our commitment to safety and excellence, the recruitment process will include background checks such as police/criminal history, medical assessments, drug and alcohol testing, and reference checks.

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