Manufacturing Manager

Job Description

Our client is a long-established Australian manufacturer supplying essential engineered products into the infrastructure, building, mining, industrial and agricultural sectors.

Backed by a major global group, the business operates an extensive national manufacturing network and is entering an important phase of operational transformation. There is a clear focus on improving safety, developing leadership capability and driving greater commercial performance from its existing manufacturing footprint.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Based at Coopers Plains, this position will initially lead manufacturing operations across two Queensland sites, Coopers Plains and Townsville, with responsibility for approximately 100 employees.

This is not a traditional manufacturing role focused solely on production output. The successful candidate will be expected to lead the sites as commercially accountable operating units, improving conversion costs, material utilisation, safety, asset performance and workforce capability.

The role offers genuine scope to expand over time. A high-performing leader could assume responsibility for all four Northern Region manufacturing sites and become an important part of the organisation’s broader succession planning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide visible leadership across the Coopers Plains and Townsville operations

• Strengthen safety standards, systems, accountability and site culture

• Develop the capability of production, maintenance and site leadership teams

• Improve material yield, scrap, recycling, product weight and conversion costs

• Increase asset and production-line utilisation across the two facilities

• Establish clear operating rhythms, performance measures and accountability

• Drive continuous improvement and embed consistent manufacturing practices

• Manage site budgets and provide strong financial and commercial oversight

• Partner with sales, supply chain, safety and other central functions

• Challenge established practices while bringing experienced teams through change

ABOUT YOU

You will be an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong track record across complex industrial or process manufacturing environments.

Ideally, you will have led multiple manufacturing sites. However, applications are also encouraged from exceptional Plant Managers or Site Managers who have successfully led a large, complex operation and are ready to step into broader multi-site responsibility.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated manufacturing or operations leadership experience

• A strong and credible approach to safety leadership

• Commercial and financial understanding, including conversion-cost accountability

• Experience improving yield, waste, productivity and asset utilisation

• Continuous improvement, Lean or operational transformation capability

• The ability to develop leadership teams and engage long-tenured workforces

• A practical, visible and collaborative leadership style

• The confidence to challenge existing thinking and drive sustainable change

Relevant backgrounds may include industrial manufacturing, packaging, building products, metals, chemicals, automotive or other complex process environments. Previous PVC or PE manufacturing experience is not essential.

THE OFFER

This is an opportunity to join a substantial Australian manufacturing business at an important point in its transformation journey. The position offers meaningful operational autonomy, exposure to senior leadership and a clear pathway into broader regional responsibility.

The remuneration package will be competitive and will include a solid base, super, car allowance, strong STI and a relocation package if you are interstate 

For further information, please apply via SEEK or contact Ben Drougas on 0439 968 031 for a confidential discussion.