Operations Manager

Everest - all about people; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Fully Equipped, a leading New Zealand manufacturing business, is seeking an accomplished manufacturing leader to oversee the day-to-day operation of its fibreglass production facility in Hamilton.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead production performance, drive lean initiatives and continuous improvement, and develop capable teams, ensuring safety, quality and reliability across the operation.

Qualifications

• Experience leading fibreglass manufacturing, production or operational teams.
• Strong background in continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Experience improving productivity, quality, workflow and efficiency.
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to engage and develop teams.
• Practical, solutions-focused approach with hands-on leadership.

Responsibilities

• Leading fibreglass manufacturing operations to deliver production, quality and customer commitments.
• Driving lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Improving factory processes, workflow and operational efficiency.
• Leading, coaching and developing production and operational teams.
• Establishing and monitoring key operational performance measures.
• Maintaining high standards of health, safety and workplace organisation.
• Supporting new product introductions and manufacturing readiness.
• Overseeing plant maintenance, equipment performance and operational reliability.

Skills

Fibreglass manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Operational excellence

People leadership

Lean manufacturing

Safety mindset

Job description

At Everest People, we're proud to be supporting Fully Equipped as they continue to grow and strengthen their leadership team.

About the business

For more than 30 years, Fully Equipped has been helping New Zealand businesses, Tradies and Fleet Operators get more from their vehicles. Fully Equipped is known for quality products, practical solutions and a commitment to doing things properly.

Over those 30 years, Fully Equipped has been designing and manufacturing the iconic Crown Canopy. Every Crown is made locally, for our roads, job sites, beaches and batches. Where your Ute becomes more than a work horse but a part of your lifestyle. Combining time-honoured craftsmanship with ongoing innovation, Fully Equipped will continue to evolve while always providing reliability and longevity.

What they don’t manufacture, they partner with world-leading brands to supply one of the most extensive ranges of vehicle accessories to New Zealand.

About the role

Reporting to the CEO/General Manager, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of Fully Equipped’s manufacturing operation, ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently and to the high standards their customers expect.

You'll lead production performance, workforce planning, process improvement and operational excellence while working closely with teams across supply chain, sales, quality and product development.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being close to the action, building capable teams, improving systems, and creating a culture focused on accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.

What you'll be responsible for

• Leading fibreglass manufacturing operations to deliver production, quality and customer commitments
• Driving lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Improving factory processes, workflow and operational efficiency
• Leading, coaching and developing production and operational teams
• Establishing and monitoring key operational performance measures
• Maintaining high standards of health, safety and workplace organisation
• Supporting new product introductions and manufacturing readiness
• Overseeing plant maintenance, equipment performance and operational reliability

About you

You'll be a proven operational leader who enjoys improving performance, developing people, and creating efficient, well-run operations.

You'll bring:

• Experience leading fibreglass manufacturing, production or operational teams
• A strong background in continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Experience improving productivity, quality, workflow and efficiency
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to engage and develop teams
• A practical, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to roll up your sleeves
• Experience using operational metrics to drive performance and decision making
• A commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement

Why Fully Equipped?

At Fully Equipped, you'll join a business with a strong reputation, quality products and ambitious growth plans. You'll have the opportunity to influence how the operation performs, lead a capable team, and play a key role in shaping the future of the business.

If you're passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.