Production Manager

Creative Composites Pty Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Composites Pty Ltd in Melbourne is seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead Morning and Afternoon Shift operations. You will drive safe, efficient, and cost‑effective production of high‑quality composite panels.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager, you will plan shifts, supervise staff, foster a safety‑focused culture, and lead continuous improvement across quality, maintenance and logistics to support operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Senior manufacturing management experience required.
• Experience leading shift supervisors and operators.
• Strong knowledge of WHS and risk management.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift supervisors, team leaders, operators, and support personnel across manufacturing operations.
• Develop and implement shift schedules, targets and KPIs.
• Drive DIFOTIS objectives and ensure on-time delivery in specification.
• Promote a safe, accountable and high‑performing culture across the operation.

Skills

Leadership

Shift planning

Manufacturing operations

Lean manufacturing

People management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Creative Composites Pty Ltd is a growing Australian manufacturer of advanced composite panel solutions, servicing the caravan and RV, transport, modular construction and building industries.

Due to continued business growth, we are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Production Manager to lead and oversee our manufacturing operations at our Epping facility.

The Production Manager is responsible for leading and managing all manufacturing operations on Morning Shift and Afternoon Shift to ensure the safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective shift of high‑quality products in accordance with customer requirements and business objectives.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager, this senior leadership role is accountable for shift planning and execution, workforce leadership, operational performance, quality assurance, logistics coordination, maintenance oversight, and continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation. The Production Manager plays a key role in driving operational excellence, building a high‑performing and flexible workforce, and supporting strategic business objectives through effective leadership, planning, and process improvement.

• Lead, manage and develop shift supervisors, team leaders, operators, and support personnel across manufacturing operations.
• Provide strong leadership, direction, coaching, mentoring, and performance management to all direct reports.
• Foster a positive, accountable, high‑performing, and safety‑focused workplace culture.
• Develop workforce capability through training, succession planning, skills development, and performance management.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning activities to support operational requirements.
• Conduct regular shift meetings, toolbox talks, and employee engagement activities.
• Promote effective communication, teamwork, collaboration, and accountability across departments.
• Support strategic business initiatives and contribute to organisational planning and operational decision‑making.

Production & Operations

• Oversee the smooth and efficient flow of manufacturing operations through proactive planning, coordination, and leadership.
• Prepare, review, and execute daily, weekly, monthly, and project‑based shift schedules.
• Ensure shift targets, customer delivery requirements, and operational KPIs are achieved.
• Manage labour utilisation, productivity, workflow efficiency, and manufacturing performance.
• Ensure manufacturing activities are completed efficiently and within agreed operational standards.
• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Coordinate with planning, procurement, maintenance, quality, and logistics departments to manage priorities and operational requirements.
• Drive achievement of DIFOTIS (Delivered In Full, On Time, In Specification) objectives.
• Oversee shift reporting, operational metrics, and data analysis to support business performance.
• Provide manufacturing and operational input into product costing, quoting, and shift feasibility activities where required.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all Workplace Health and Safety legislation, policies, procedures, and safe work practices.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across all manufacturing activities.
• Ensure PPE requirements and workplace safety standards are consistently enforced.
• Conduct workplace inspections, audits, hazard identification, and risk assessments.
• Lead investigations into incidents, hazards, near misses, and workplace non‑conformances and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, manufacturing specifications, customer requirements, and legal obligations.
• Oversee factory security procedures including opening, closing, and site access management.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all products are manufactured in accordance with customer specifications, quality standards, and operational procedures.
• Ensure process instructions, inspections, quality documentation, and shift records are completed accurately and maintained appropriately.
• Lead investigations and corrective actions relating to shift quality issues and manufacturing non‑conformances.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality systems, shift methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Work collaboratively with quality personnel to minimise defects, rework, waste, and customer complaints.

Materials, Inventory & Logistics

• Oversee onsite control of raw materials, consumables, subcontracted services, and spare parts required for manufacturing operations.
• Coordinate stocktake activities and ensure inventory accuracy and material availability.
• Manage logistics and transport activities to ensure efficient and cost‑effective movement of goods and materials.
• Coordinate with suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers to support operational requirements.
• Ensure transport and storage activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company procedures.

Maintenance, Continuous Improvement & Lead Manufacturing

• Oversee preventative and breakdown maintenance activities for plant and equipment.
• Ensure operator‑based maintenance tasks and equipment checks are completed as required.
• Promote high standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation in accordance with 5S principles.
• Lead and support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
• Conduct workflow reviews, process analysis, and time studies to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment, tooling, layouts, processes, and shift methods.
• Prepare operational improvement proposals and Return-on-investment recommendations where required.
• Drive initiatives aimed at reducing waste, improving efficiency, and increasing manufacturing capability.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior manufacturing management role.
• Strong leadership and people management capability within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience managing shift planning, labour utilisation, operational performance, and manufacturing workflows.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing systems, quality processes, and operational efficiency principles.
• Strong knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety requirements and risk management practices.
• Proven ability to lead continuous improvement and operational change initiatives.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem‑solving capability.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and decision‑making capability.
• Experience with lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing reporting systems.
• Project management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing logistics, inventory, procurement, or supply chain functions.
• Relevant licences or industry certifications.