The Production Manager leads daily production operations at Zeo’s manufacturing facility, ensuring consistent quality, safety and efficiency in all processes. This role reports directly to the Managing Director and collaborates closely with R&D, Design, and Operations teams to deliver premium, sustainable materials and products on time and to specification.

You will oversee a small, hands-on team and be directly involved in improving processes, maintaining equipment, monitoring output and ensuring compliance with Zeo’s quality, environmental and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

Oversee daily production schedules for Zeoform Micro Pulp (ZMP), ZeoBoards, and related product lines.

Ensure all production targets (volume, quality, timelines) are met or exceeded.

Coordinate workflow between pulp preparation, forming, pressing, finishing and packaging areas.

Maintain accurate production records, reporting yields, downtime, and efficiency metrics.

Team Leadership

Supervise and motivate production staff, fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Support training and upskilling of operators on new equipment and processes.

Conduct performance reviews and promote positive staff engagement.

Quality & Safety

Maintain product quality through regular inspections, testing, and process controls.

Ensure compliance with WHS standards and environmental regulations.

Lead toolbox meetings and implement corrective actions when safety or quality issues arise.

Process Improvement

Identify and implement process efficiencies to improve throughput and reduce waste.

Support R&D and engineering in scaling up pilot processes to commercial production.

Contribute to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and preventive maintenance schedules.

Equipment & Maintenance

Oversee daily operation and maintenance of plant machinery, vacuum presses, forming lines, and related systems.

Liaise with equipment suppliers and service technicians for planned maintenance or repairs.

Inventory & Logistics

Monitor raw material inputs (fibre, water, etc.) and finished goods inventory.

Coordinate with supply chain and logistics partners for timely delivery and dispatch.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

3+ years’ experience in a production or manufacturing management role.

Strong understanding of industrial processes, machinery operation, and safety procedures.

Proven leadership and team-management skills.

Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organisational abilities.

Competence in digital production reporting tools and MS Office / Google Workspace.

Desirable

Experience in sustainable materials, pulp, paper, wood composites or related manufacturing.

Technical or trade qualification in mechanical, manufacturing, or process engineering.

Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.

Personal Attributes

Practical, proactive, and solutions-focused.

Passionate about sustainability and circular manufacturing.

Calm under pressure, adaptable and self-motivated.

Strong communicator with excellent attention to detail.

A natural team builder with a hands-on leadership style.