Southern Academic is a high-growth, innovation-led organisation delivering transformative
STEM learning experiences through hands-on products. We are looking for a strategic and
execution-oriented Production Manager to lead and scale our manufacturing function as we expand across Australia.
This is a unique leadership opportunity for someone with a background in, a passion for STEM, and experience in cutting-edge manufacturing environments.
Location: Melbourne
Employment Type: Full Time
Reporting To: General Manager
About the Role
You will lead all aspects of our manufacturing operations, from strategic planning through to daily performance management. With a focus on operational excellence, team leadership,and scalable systems, you will play a key role in delivering the physical products that power our educational mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement production strategies to support rapid growth and STEM product innovation
• Drive performance across output, quality, labour efficiency, and cost metrics
• Establish lean, scalable systems and visual management tools (dashboards, KPIs)
• Lead manufacturing improvement projects using data and continuous improvement frameworks
• Oversee all plant operations, including resource planning, tooling, and maintenance
• Recruit, coach, and manage a growing team of frontline and supervisory manufacturing staff
• Ensure safety, compliance, and product quality are embedded across the operation
• Collaborate with product, design, and education teams to support new product introduction and iteration

Who You Are

• 5+ years of experience with exposure to operations, supply chain, or manufacturing strategy
• Hands-on experience in modern manufacturing environments—such as advanced assembly, high-mix low-volume production, or prototyping
• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Structured thinker with a strong command of operational and financial drivers
• Passion for STEM and belief in the power of hands-on learning
• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related discipline (preferred)
• High-ownership, growth mindset with a bias for action

Why Southern Academic?

• Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of STEM education
• Take a leadership role in an entrepreneurial, scaling business
• Operate at the intersection of education, innovation, and manufacturing
• Access real autonomy, decision-making influence, and professional growth

Apply now to lead the operations behind Australia’s most exciting STEM education
company.
Southern Academic is an equal opportunity employer and embraces diversity in all its
forms.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $135,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In perso

• Develop and implement production strategies to support rapid growth and STEM product innovation
• Drive performance across output, quality, labour efficiency, and cost metrics
• Establish lean, scalable systems and visual management tools (dashboards, KPIs)
• Lead manufacturing improvement projects using data and continuous improvement frameworks
• Oversee all plant operations, including resource planning, tooling, and maintenance
• Recruit, coach, and manage a growing team of frontline and supervisory manufacturing staff
• Ensure safety, compliance, and product quality are embedded across the operation
• Collaborate with product, design, and education teams to support new product introduction and iteratio