Plant Manager - Dardanup

Laminex Australia; Bunbury; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Laminex Australia in Western Australia is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead one of our significant manufacturing sites. You will oversee operations across manufacturing, maintenance and production, while driving safety, quality and performance.

You will build a high-performing team, champion continuous improvement and engage with frontline staff, engineers and stakeholders to deliver outstanding site results and long-term career paths within Laminex.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading manufacturing, industrial or processing operations.
• Engineering or technical background enabling engagement with operators, maintenance teams and engineers.
• Proven track record of improving plant performance, productivity and operational outcomes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing metrics, including OEE, quality and asset reliability.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant operations across manufacturing, maintenance and production.
• Drive improvements in OEE and productivity.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Champion physical and psychological safety across the site.
• Build strong relationships with frontline teams, leaders and technical specialists.
• Become the face of Laminex across the South West with community and industry stakeholders.
• Ensure customers receive consistently high-quality products.
• Support ongoing capital investment, plant upgrades and operational improvements.
• Develop leaders and create long-term career opportunities within Laminex.

Skills

People leadership

Manufacturing ops

OEE optimization

Safety culture

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Engineering degree

Postgraduate business qualification

Job description

At Laminex, we're passionate about creating products and experiences that help Australians build, renovate and design better spaces. Backed by more than 90 years of industry leadership, we're a business that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. Whether you're working with customers, supporting our operations, driving commercial outcomes or leading strategic initiatives, you'll be part of a team that's shaping the future of one of Australia's most iconic building products brands.

We're looking for an experienced Plant Manager to lead one of our most significant manufacturing sites in Western Australia. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a large-scale operation, lead a highly engaged workforce of around 180 people, and play a key role in driving safety, culture, quality and operational performance.

This isn't simply about keeping the plant running. It's about creating an environment where people thrive, performance improves, and continuous improvement becomes part of everyday operations.

About the Role

As Plant Manager, you'll be responsible for the overall performance of the site, ensuring we deliver outstanding results across safety, quality, people, customer outcomes and operational efficiency.

You will:

• Lead all aspects of plant operations across manufacturing, maintenance and production.
• Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), plant reliability and productivity.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Champion both physical and psychological safety across the site.
• Build strong relationships with frontline teams, leaders and technical specialists.
• Become the face of the business across the South West, building strong relationships with key community, industry and regional stakeholders.
• Ensure customers receive consistently high-quality products.
• Support ongoing capital investment, plant upgrades and operational improvements.
• Develop leaders and create opportunities for people to build long-term careers within Laminex.

About You

We're looking for a leader who combines strong operational capability with exceptional people leadership.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading a manufacturing, industrial or processing operation.
• An engineering or technical background that enables you to engage credibly with operators, maintenance teams and engineers.
• A postgraduate business qualification would be desirable.
• A proven track record of improving plant performance, productivity and operational outcomes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing metrics, including OEE, quality and asset reliability.
• Experience leading large teams and building high-performing workplace cultures.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine passion for developing people and creating an environment where teams can succeed.

Why Laminex?

This site has a proud history and a strong culture. Many of our people have built entire careers here, progressing from frontline roles into leadership positions. It's a workplace where experience is valued, development is encouraged and achievements are celebrated.

You’ll inherit a highly engaged workforce, modernised manufacturing facilities and the backing of a business committed to ongoing investment and continuous improvement.

Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact by helping shape the future of a site where culture and performance go hand in hand.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive remuneration package, incentive opportunities, career development within a leading Australasian manufacturer, and a values-driven culture focused on safety, respect and continuous improvement, alongside the opportunity to lead a large, complex and strategically important manufacturing operation.