Operations Manager - Bch Port Augusta

Big Chief Hire; Port Augusta; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Chief Hire is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the Port Augusta site. You will oversee daily operations, supervise a Hire Controller and Yard Hand, drive fleet utilisation and ensure customer satisfaction across the region.

This hands-on role requires strong leadership, commercial focus and the ability to develop customer relationships while delivering profitable growth for Big Chief Hire within Australia’s Port Augusta area.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and developing a small operational team.
• Strong commercial awareness with focus on profitability.
• Knowledge of fleet maintenance and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Port Augusta site.
• Oversee Hire Controller and Yard Hand and provide direction.
• Drive equipment utilisation and ensure fleet deployment meets demand.
• Develop relationships with existing customers and identify new opportunities.
• Coordinate bookings, mobilisation, returns and invoicing.
• Maintain safety, compliance and high service levels.

Skills

Leadership

Fleet management

Customer service

Budgeting

ERP systems

MS Office

Driver's license

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

Operations Manager - BCH Port Augusta Big Chief Hire Sydney, NSW, AU

Job Description

Big Chief Hire is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to lead our Port Augusta operations. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations, leading the local team, ensuring exceptional customer service, maximising equipment utilisation, and supporting the continued growth of Big Chief Hire across the region.

About the Role

In this business‑critical position, you will take ownership of the day‑to‑day performance and continued development of our Port Augusta operation, with a Hire Controller and Yard Hand reporting directly to you.

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring Big Chief Hire excels in service delivery, customer relationships, equipment utilisation and profitability. You will oversee the day‑to‑day operation of the site, ensuring our fleet is available, compliant and effectively deployed to meet customer requirements.

Importantly, this is a hands‑on role. You will be expected to develop strong relationships with existing customers, identify new hire opportunities and actively contribute to the growth of Big Chief Hire throughout Port Augusta and the surrounding region.

This is a high‑impact position within the Big Chief Hire brand, with genuine ownership and accountability for the performance of the Port Augusta operation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day operations of the Big Chief Hire Port Augusta site.
• Lead, support and provide direction to the Hire Controller and Yard Hand.
• Drive equipment utilisation and ensure the fleet is effectively deployed to meet customer demand.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing customers and actively identify new business and hire opportunities.
• Oversee hire enquiries, equipment bookings, allocation, mobilisation and returns.
• Ensure high levels of equipment availability while minimising unnecessary downtime.
• Coordinate equipment servicing, repairs and maintenance based on safety and operational requirements.
• Ensure repairs and maintenance comply with BCH/OEM requirements and manufacturer specifications.
• Arrange transport for equipment delivery and collection and follow up overdue equipment returns.
• Issue and adjust hire contracts for extensions, ad hoc charges, damage and misuse where required.
• Monitor equipment status, availability, forward bookings and utilisation.
• Maintain the equipment asset register and scheduled maintenance requirements.
• Raise repair orders and purchase orders and ensure invoices are appropriately processed.
• Maintain accurate equipment and operational records for internal and external audit requirements.
• Ensure equipment safety recalls and compliance requirements are actioned within required timeframes.
• Manage stock levels and undertake scheduled stocktakes.
• Conduct toolbox talks and ensure the site and yard are maintained to a high standard.
• Ensure equipment is clean, presentable and appropriately represents the Big Chief Hire brand.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with WHS requirements.
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, utilisation and profitability.
• Work closely with the broader Big Chief Hire business to maximise fleet opportunities and support the continued growth of the operation.

About You

We are looking for someone who is comfortable taking ownership of an operation and being both a leader and a hands‑on operator.

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

• Strong operational management experience, preferably within the fleet, equipment hire, transport, civil, construction or heavy equipment industries.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a small operational team.
• Strong commercial awareness with a focus on equipment utilisation, customer service and profitability.
• The ability to develop strong customer relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• Knowledge of fleet maintenance practices and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisational, planning and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience managing contracts, purchasing, stock control and operational costs.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• A practical, proactive approach with a willingness to be hands‑on when required.
• Proficiency in MS Office and experience working with ERP or equipment hire management systems.
• A strong commitment to workplace safety.
• A current driver's licence.

Previous experience within the equipment hire industry will be highly regarded.

About Us

Big Chief Hire, a proud member of the Northeast Auto Group, is your go‑to supplier for truck and heavy machinery hire across Australia. We provide an extensive range of hire equipment — from earthmovers to trucks — tailored to suit every project.

Whether you need wet hire with skilled operators or dry hire where you take the controls, Big Chief Hire is committed to delivering exceptional service, reliable machinery and flexible hire solutions. You can count on us to keep your project moving.

Established in 1978, the Northeast Auto Group is a national award‑winning automotive retail and service organisation employing 600 people across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

We deliver a complete customer experience through multiple business units, providing high‑quality service and innovative solutions. Our group of companies includes Light and Heavy Vehicle Dealerships, Engineering and Manufacturing, and Agricultural and Construction Equipment Solutions, partnering with renowned and reputable OEM brands across the nation.

We are a high‑performance business. Our success is built on hard work and skillfulness. We employ the best, and we invest in our people to make sure their knowledge is second‑to‑none. We go the extra mile, and we will always deliver.

Ready to make the move?

If you are an experienced operational leader who enjoys taking ownership, building customer relationships and driving results, this is an opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of Big Chief Hire in Port Augusta.

Please note that as part of the recruitment process you may be requested to undergo various pre‑employment checks, such as a "Right to Work in Australia Check", "National Criminal Police Check" or a "Pre‑Employment Medical".

Northeast Auto Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. Northeast Auto Group is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees.

In order to maintain a safe work environment and comply with legal requirements, Northeast Auto Group conducts random drug and alcohol testing as part of its employment policies.