OT/IT & Continuous Improvement Manager

Protech; Wagga Wagga City Council; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Protech in NSW is seeking an experienced OT/IT and Continuous Improvement Manager to lead Process Control Systems, IT/OT infrastructure, and automation projects across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, SHE, and Engineering. You will drive Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and OEE initiatives, manage CAPEX projects from concept to handover, and ensure GMP and safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership and strong cross-functional collaboration to improve reliability, efficiency, and plant

Qualifications

• Engineering degree required.
• Experience in industrial automation and OT/IT environments.
• Strong PM experience with CAPEX projects.
• Practical knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, OEE.
• Experience in GMP, SHE or pharma/food processing settings.
• Excellent problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead PCS and IT/OT systems maintenance and improvements.
• Manage automation projects from concept to handover.
• Oversee CAPEX delivery, budgeting and scheduling.
• Drive site-wide continuous improvement programs.
• Coordinate MOC process and TrackWise usage.
• Ensure GMP/SHE compliance in all projects.

Skills

Automation & Control

Lean Six Sigma

OT/IT Management

Project Management

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

TrackWise

SCADA/PLC

CAPEX tools

Job description

Drive Automation, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

We are seeking an experienced OT/IT & Continuous Improvement (DICI) Manager to lead the site's Process Control Systems (PCS), IT/OT infrastructure, automation projects, and continuous improvement initiatives. This pivotal role will work across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, SHE, and Engineering functions to improve reliability, efficiency, safety, and overall plant performance.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled professional with a strong background in industrial automation, process control, project management, Lean Manufacturing, and Operational Excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary site contact for all Process Control Systems (PCS) and plant IT/OT systems.
• Provide technical support and coordinate access for external contractors and specialists.
• Monitor developments in automation, electrical, mechanical, and process control technologies.
• Develop and maintain maintenance standards, procedures, and preventative maintenance programs.
• Support Autonomous Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance initiatives across the site.
• Monitor plant operations and provide troubleshooting support for abnormal equipment conditions.
• Participate in safety studies, hazard reviews, and risk assessments.
• Lead automation and control system improvements for new equipment installations and facility upgrades.

Projects & Capital Works

• Manage and deliver engineering improvement and automation projects from concept through to handover.
• Assist with CAPEX project delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Conduct feasibility studies, budgeting, scheduling, risk assessments, implementation, and commissioning activities.
• Review technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Prepare project reports, technical documentation, and post-project evaluations.
• Ensure all projects comply with SHE, GMP, and Good Engineering Practice (GEP) standards.

Continuous Improvement & DICI

• Lead operational excellence initiatives including 5S, visual management, KPIs, OEE, TPM, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma.
• Drive site-wide continuous improvement programs focused on reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing productivity.
• Identify process bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve plant capacity and efficiency.
• Coordinate DICI activities across multiple sites and share best-practice initiatives.
• Facilitate and track improvement projects, ensuring measurable operational and financial benefits.
• Manage the Management of Change (MOC) process and act as a key stakeholder within the TrackWise system.
• Partner with Finance and Operations teams to validate project savings and business improvements.

About You

• Degree qualification in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Process Control, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in industrial automation, process control systems, and OT/IT environments.
• Strong project management experience, including CAPEX and continuous improvement projects.
• Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, OEE, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Experience working within GMP, SHE, food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, chemical processing, or related industrial environments.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience managing change and driving site-wide improvement initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• A proactive and hands-on leadership style.
• Strong technical expertise in automation and control systems.
• A passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Excellent communication and project coordination skills.
• The ability to influence and engage teams at all levels of the organisation.

Job Ad Summary

OT/IT & Continuous Improvement (DICI) Manager We’re looking for an experienced OT/IT & Continuous Improvement professional to lead plant automation, process control systems, operational excellence programs, and site improvement projects. You’ll be responsible for managing PCS and IT/OT systems, delivering CAPEX and automation projects, driving Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, improving production efficiency, and leading continuous improvement programs that deliver measurable operational and financial results. Ideal candidates will have experience in industrial automation, process control, manufacturing environments, project management, and operational excellence methodologies including TPM, OEE, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma.

Key Focus Areas

• Automation & Process Control
• OT/IT Systems Management
• CAPEX & Engineering Projects
• Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma
• Continuous Improvement (DICI)
• Operational Excellence & OEE
• Management of Change (MOC)
• Safety, SHE & GMP Compliance

This is an outstanding opportunity to make a significant impact on plant performance, reliability, and continuous improvement outcomes while working within a collaborative manufacturing environment.