Our client is a steel fabrication company with locations across Australia. They manage all aspects of metal fabrication, from on-site measuring and in-house drafting to steel processing, surface treatment, and full site installation. They work on projects of all sizes in various construction sectors, including commercial, mining, defense, industrial, infrastructure, and residential. Our client prides itself on delivering innovative solutions, exceptional customer service, and ensuring projects are completed on schedule.

With exponential growth comes opportunity and as such we have been tasked with sourcing a Manufacturing Manager who will be responsible for leading and optimising all aspects of structural steel fabrication production. This role demands a hands-on leader with a strong engineering background, proven experience in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, and a track record of consistently meeting and exceeding production targets. The successful candidate will drive efficiency, reduce waste, ensure the delivery of high-quality structural steel products within budget and on schedule, and maintain rigorous quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise, and direct all manufacturing activities to ensure production targets are met or exceeded.
• Develop and implement production schedules, monitor progress, and adjust plans as needed to optimise output.
• Oversee the efficient utilisation of resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to minimise downtime and maintain efficiency.

• Lead and implement lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement and optimize production processes.
• Identify and eliminate waste (e.g., time, materials, movement) through process analysis and improvement initiatives.
• Conduct value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen events, and other lean tools to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Utilise data analysis and statistical tools to identify process variations and implement solutions to reduce defects and improve quality.

• Develop and implement strategies to minimise material waste and optimise material utilisation.
• Monitor and analyse waste data to identify trends and implement targeted improvement initiatives.
• Train employees on waste reduction techniques and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

• Apply engineering principles and knowledge of structural steel fabrication processes to solve technical problems and improve efficiency.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure accurate fabrication.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams to optimise product design for manufacturability.
• Maintain a strong understanding of industry standards and best practices for structural steel fabrication.

• Provide effective leadership and direction to the manufacturing team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Recruit, train, and develop employees to ensure they have the skills and knowledge required to perform their roles effectively.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to employees to support their professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and promote a safety-first culture.

• Develop and manage the manufacturing budget, ensuring cost-effective operations.
• Monitor and control production costs, identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives.
• Manage inventory levels and ensure efficient procurement of materials.

• Generate regular reports on production performance, waste reduction, and other key performance indicators.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management.

• Establish and maintain a robust quality management system to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.
• Oversee quality control inspections and testing throughout the fabrication process.
• Implement and enforce quality assurance procedures to prevent defects and ensure product integrity.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure all relevant certifications are maintained, and that all quality documentation is kept up to date.
• Work with quality control personnel to ensure that all welding, and other processes are performed to the correct standards.

• Production Management:
• Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma:
• Waste Reduction:
• Engineering & Technical Expertise:
• Team Leadership & Development:
• Budget Management:
• Reporting:
• Quality Management:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) preferred.
• Proven experience in a manufacturing management role within the structural steel fabrication industry.
• Extensive knowledge of structural steel fabrication processes, materials, and equipment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, with demonstrated experience in implementation and results.
• Proven track record of consistently meeting and exceeding production targets.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge1 of safety regulations and best practices.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• Project management experience.
• Experience with quality management systems (ISO 9001, etc.)

Apply NOW or call TalentBlue on 1300 377 388 for further information