Operations Improvement Lead

Job description:

About The Role:

Join a 2026 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work Gold Winner and 2026 Sustainability Champion recognised by the World Steel Association. Play a key role in shaping our performance across our ARC business.

Reporting to the Continuous Improvement Manager and based at either our Brisbane or Gold Coast site, you will lead Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives across Queensland while also contributing to national projects as part of a collaborative, future-focused team.

As the Operations Improvement Lead, you will partner closely with site leaders and cross-functional teams to identify and deliver opportunities across CAPEX, safety, process optimisation and operational performance. You will play a key role in embedding sustainable improvements, delivering high-impact projects and supporting leaders to build a strong culture of continuous improvement.

This is an autonomous and highly influential role, backed by a national CI network and senior stakeholders who value innovation, collaboration and proactive leadership. It's a great opportunity for an experienced Continuous Improvement professional looking to drive meaningful change across a well-established manufacturing business.

• Lead Queensland-wide Continuous Improvement projects across safety, maintenance, CAPEX and operational performance.
• Partner with site leaders to identify and implement efficiency and productivity improvements.
• Coach and mentor operational leaders to embed sustainable Continuous Improvement practices.
• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure projects align with Australian standards and compliance requirements.
• Analyse manufacturing and business processes using data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive innovation across automation, labour efficiency, cost reduction and process optimisation.
• Manage end-to-end delivery of capital and improvement projects, partnering with suppliers, site teams and national CI stakeholders.

You are an experienced Continuous Improvement or Operations leader who thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments. You're confident leading change, influencing stakeholders and thinking strategically across multi-site operations. This role will give you exposure to state-wide and national projects, a high level of autonomy and an immediate portfolio of improvement initiatives.

You will be rewarded with:

• Attractive remuneration package, including private use of a TOT vehicle
• Long-term career development and progression opportunities within a leading national business
• Collaborative and supportive team environment

We offer a range of benefits designed to support you at work and beyond:

• Paid parental leave that goes further - 20 weeks paid Primary Carer Leave and 3 weeks Partner Leave, plus superannuation contributions during unpaid leave (eligibility applies)
• Health cover at discounted rates - Access corporate rates with nib Health Insurance to support you and your family
• Everyday savings - Access a wide range of employee discounts across major brands including retail, travel and lifestyle
• Flexible vehicle options - Novated leasing options available, providing a tax-effective way to finance and manage your vehicle
• Support when you need it - Confidential counselling and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Sonder, available to you and your immediate family

What you will bring?

• Demonstrated leadership experience in Continuous Improvement, Operations or Engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management experience, including delivery of CAPEX, safety and operational improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor and influence senior leaders and frontline teams.
• Strong knowledge of process optimisation, root cause analysis, maintenance and reliability practices.
• Confident using data and systems to drive decision-making, including Power BI, Microsoft Office and ERP systems such as SAP.
• Engineering degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering desirable, but not essential.

Why join us?

We offer more than just a job; we provide a dynamic environment built on three pillars that define our commitment to both our team and our industry.

• Work with a greater purpose - join us on our pursuit of a sustainable future and contribute to our nation's legacy.
• Work well, live better - experience a safe, supportive and inclusive environment which values you as a whole person and where wellbeing matters.
• Build their own future - grow and drive your own development to grow your skills. Everyday is an opportunity to grow.

The Australian Reinforcing Company (ARC) is Australia's local reinforcing partner. With more than 100 years behind us and the country's largest branch network, we deliver reinforcing where it's needed, backed by people who know their communities and projects.

A brand of InfraBuild, ARC connects local service with a national, integrated steel supply chain built on recycled steel and Australian manufacturing.

How to apply
We invite you to forge your career in a workplace where passion meets purpose, wellbeing is nurtured and the opportunity to thrive is in your hands.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Your diversity helps us create more sustainable and innovative steel solutions for Australia's future.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact Janine on ***************@infrabuild.com

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.