Plant Manager

seek.com.au; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

seek.com.au is seeking a Plant Manager for its Yatala operation, leading day‑to‑day and strategic performance of the manufacturing site. You will drive production plans, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement while coaching frontline teams to deliver with accountability.

You will partner with maintenance, logistics and SHEQ to optimise efficiency, reduce cost and ensure OTIF performance, with a hands‑on yet strategic leadership style in a modern, safety‑focused facility.

Qualifications

• Engineering or Business degree and leadership experience in manufacturing.
• 5+ years in Production/Plant/Manufacturing management roles.
• Strong knowledge of lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall performance of the manufacturing facility, ensuring production, safety, quality, cost and delivery objectives.
• Develop and manage production plans to meet customer requirements and priorities.
• Coach production teams and frontline leaders to build accountability and a high-performance culture.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, 6S and structured problem solving.
• Monitor OEE, productivity, waste, downtime and efficiency; partner with maintenance to improve reliability.
• Oversee logistics, procurement and inventory to support operations; drive OTIF performance.
• Ensure SOPs and processes are maintained and improved; manage budgets and cost control.
• Collaborate with HR on employee relations and industrial relations as needed.

Skills

Engineering

People leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

OEE

Production planning

Education

Engineering or Business – essential

Job description

Join a business that truly values its people

Step into a rewarding career with a global leader in reusable industrial packaging, committed to innovation, safety, and sustainability.
We’re seeking a passionate Plant Manager to join our Yatala team, supporting operational excellence in a culture built on stability, professionalism, and integrity. This is a key leadership position responsible for the overall performance of the site, including production, people, safety, quality, maintenance, logistics, cost control and continuous improvement.

We are looking for a strong manufacturing leader who can balance operational delivery with people leadership and who is comfortable being visible and hands‑on within the plant.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a global organisation with strong local leadership and long‑term stability.
• Enjoy a supportive culture where safety, wellbeing, and growth come first.
• Access ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Work in a modern, safety‑focused manufacturing environment.
• Benefit from competitive remuneration and a company that genuinely values its people.

The Role

As Plant Manager, you will take ownership of the day-to-day and strategic performance of the manufacturing operation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the overall performance of the manufacturing facility, ensuring production, safety, quality, cost and delivery objectives are achieved.
• Develop and manage production plans to meet customer requirements and business priorities.
• Lead, coach and develop production teams and frontline leaders, building accountability and a strong performance culture.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 6S and structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 5 Why.
• Monitor and improve operational performance through key measures including OEE, productivity, waste, downtime and efficiency.
• Work closely with Maintenance to improve plant reliability, preventative maintenance performance and equipment availability.
• Oversee logistics, procurement and inventory activities to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Drive strong OTIF performance and ensure production output aligns with customer and business requirements.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures and operational processes are maintained, followed and continuously improved.
• Partner with SHEQ to ensure compliance with all safety, environmental and quality requirements and foster a strong safety culture across the site.
• Manage site budgets, operational expenditure and cost‑control initiatives.
• Manage workforce planning, staffing requirements, labour utilisation and operational capability.
• Work collaboratively with HR in relation to employee relations, performance management, industrial relations and applicable Enterprise Agreements.
• Build a positive, accountable and engaged workplace culture where employees understand expectations and are supported to perform at their best.

About You

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Engineering or Business – essential
• 5 years' experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Plant Manager or comparable manufacturing leadership position – essential
• Demonstrated experience leading sizeable operational and manufacturing teams.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 6S and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using structured root‑cause analysis and problem‑solving tools, including 5 Why.
• Strong understanding of production planning, OEE, maintenance, logistics, procurement and OTIF performance.
• Demonstrated financial and commercial capability, including budgeting and cost management.
• Experience managing employee relations and working within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong Microsoft Office capability.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder‑management skills.
• A practical, hands‑on leadership style with the ability to operate strategically while remaining connected to day‑to‑day plant operations.
• Experience working with Dangerous Goods and/or hazardous substances will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a successful manufacturing operation within an established international organisation.

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader who enjoys improving operations, developing people and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, we would like to hear from you.