Six Degrees Executive are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a well-established Australian manufacturer, backed by a leading global organisation, to recruit an experienced Operations Manager based in Melbourne's inner western suburbs.

Operating within the industrial manufacturing sector, this business is entering an exciting phase of transformation, with continued investment in its operations, people and systems. This appointment will play a key role in strengthening operational performance, developing leadership capability and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Reporting directly to the General Manager – Manufacturing & Supply Chain, you will provide end-to-end leadership across Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance and WHS, driving operational excellence across safety, quality, delivery, cost and people performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing end-to-end leadership across Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance and WHS.
• Driving operational excellence across safety, quality, delivery, cost and people performance.
• Developing and coaching frontline leaders while building a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Embedding Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies across the site.
• Strengthening engineering and maintenance capability, improving planning, reliability and long-term asset performance.
• Leading operational planning, budgeting and performance reporting to support business outcomes.
• Championing a visible leadership style that establishes high standards and develops future leadership capability.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity suited to someone who enjoys developing people, building high-performing teams and delivering meaningful operational and cultural transformation.

About You

To be successful, you will bring:

• 5+ years' experience in a Site Manager, Operations Manager or similar manufacturing leadership role.
• Ideally degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing operations within a complex industrial, FMCG or processing environment.
• A proven track record of driving operational improvement and leading cultural change.
• Strong leadership capability with experience coaching and developing frontline leaders.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Financial and commercial acumen, including experience managing operational budgets and performance.
• A visible, shop-floor leadership style with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels.

Experience within heavy industrial manufacturing, building products, chemicals, packaging or similarly complex manufacturing environments will be highly regarded. Exposure to unionised environments is advantageous.