Operations Project Manager

Talent Right; Picton; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Protoblast, an established Australian manufacturer, seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing, projects and service delivery. You will champion structured processes, coach leaders and drive continuous improvement across the business to sustain growth and profitability.

You will work closely with production, engineering and administration to optimize resource usage, improve systems and ensure exceptional customer outcomes. A commercially minded leader is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Operations/Manufacturing leadership roles.
• Strong manufacturing, engineering, fabrication or project-based operations experience.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and driving operational performance.
• Experience implementing process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of operational metrics.
• Comfortable leading change in family-owned or owner-led environments.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing/Operational Excellence programs desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across manufacturing, projects and service delivery.
• Coach, mentor and develop operational leaders and team members.
• Drive accountability and performance across departments.
• Oversee production scheduling and project delivery outcomes.
• Improve operational systems, processes and reporting capabilities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and Lean manufacturing efforts.
• Monitor KPIs, productivity and resource utilisation.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement and service teams for project execution.
• Support workforce planning and capability development.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability and customer outcomes.
• Position the business for future growth and scalability.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Project management

Manufacturing operations

Engineering collaboration

People management

Strategic planning

Change management

Commercial awareness

Job description

Talent Right is proud to partner exclusively with Protoblast to recruit an experienced and commercially minded Operations Manager to lead and optimise their manufacturing and project delivery operations.

This is not a maintenance-focused management role, Protoblast is looking for a leader who enjoys improving systems, leading people, driving accountability and helping a well-established business achieve its next stage of growth.

If you're the type of leader who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership, influencing culture, improving processes and delivering results, this opportunity could be exactly what you're looking for.

About Protoblast

Protoblast is an established Australian manufacturer specialising in industrial sandblasting, painting and dust extraction equipment. With decades of industry experience, the business designs, manufactures, installs and services bespoke equipment solutions for customers across a range of industrial sectors.

As a successful family-owned business, Protoblast has built its reputation on quality, innovation and customer service. The leadership team is committed to investing in continuous improvement, operational excellence and sustainable business growth.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the owners, you will take ownership of the day-to-day operations of the business, leading manufacturing, projects, service coordination and operational improvement initiatives.

You will work closely with production, service, engineering and administration teams to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, resources are effectively utilised and customers continue to receive exceptional outcomes.

This role combines operational leadership, people management and continuous improvement, making it ideal for a leader who enjoys creating structure, improving performance and developing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the business across manufacturing, projects and service delivery
• Coach, mentor and develop operational leaders and team members
• Drive accountability, performance and operational excellence across all departments
• Oversee production scheduling and project delivery outcomes
• Improve operational systems, processes and reporting capabilities
• Lead continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives
• Monitor operational KPIs, productivity and resource utilisation
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement and service teams to ensure seamless project execution
• Support workforce planning and capability development
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability and customer outcomes
• Help position the business for future growth and scalability

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager or similar leadership role
• Strong manufacturing, engineering, fabrication or project-based operations experience
• Demonstrated success leading teams and driving operational performance
• Experience implementing process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of operational metrics
• Confident leading change and building accountability within teamsAbility to balance strategic planning with hands-on leadership
• Experience within custom manufacturing or engineered-to-order environments highly regarded
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence programs desirable
• Comfortable working within a family-owned or owner-led business environment
• Culturally you will be Hungry, Humble and Smart

You are someone who enjoys making things better. You can identify inefficiencies, implement improvements and bring people with you on the journey. You build strong relationships, lead by example and enjoy helping businesses grow.

Why Protoblast?

• Genuine autonomy and ownership within the business
• Opportunity to influence long-term operational strategy
• Highly visible leadership role reporting directly to the owners
• Established Australian manufacturing business with an excellent reputation
• Diverse role spanning operations, manufacturing, projects and people leadership
• Opportunity to lead meaningful operational improvement initiatives
• Supportive and down-to-earth culture
• Significant opportunity to make your mark and help drive future business growth