Head of Operations

Transform Manufacturing, Engineering and Project Execution

Location: Moe and Morwell, Victoria

Safetech is a leading Australian designer and manufacturer of materials handling equipment and lifting solutions, with a long standing reputation for innovation and quality. Established in 1984, the business supplies a broad range of industries and counts major Australian brands among its customer base

Following recent restructuring, Safetech has created a new Head of Operations role to lead and transform operations across two sites in Moe and Morwell. This position is responsible for Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement, Quality Assurance, Project Execution and Safety, with a team of around 100.

Reporting to the Managing Director (based in Sydney), the Head of Operations will drive operational excellence, continuous improvement and a safety first culture, ensuring the facilities deliver high quality outcomes for customers nationwide.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop teams across manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, procurement and safety, building accountability, wellbeing and performance;
• Champion continuous improvement, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 practices, reducing waste, lifting productivity and modernising facilities;
• Partner with the Head of Engineering to improve and standardise concept design and costing, strengthening manufacturability and quality outcomes;
• Embed safety leadership in partnership with the WHS advisor and lead ongoing ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 accreditation efforts;
• Strengthen procurement and supply chain performance, including supplier relationship management, contract negotiation and international sourcing across Asia, the USA, China and Thailand;
• Implement digital dashboards and systems that improve information flow and data driven decisions across production and project execution;
• Own inventory and cost management, including stock, inventory planning and cost of goods sold, partnering with sales on margins and planning;
• Lead workforce planning, scheduling and rostering, and support development pathways for apprentices and cadets;
• Oversee end to end project execution from engineering concept and design through to manufacturing, quality, testing and dispatch.

What we are looking for

• A proven track record in transforming technical manufacturing operations, ideally across multiple sites;
• Strong manufacturing operations leadership, engineering qualifications are advantageous;
• Depth in lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement, with the ability to drive measurable operational outcomes;
• Experience leading large, diverse teams in fast paced environments, with a progressive, hands on leadership style;
• Commercial and analytical capability, including procurement negotiation, cost control and decision making;
• Strong knowledge of quality and safety systems, including ISO 9001 and ISO 45001;
• Willingness to travel internationally one to two times per year to visit suppliers.

Why this role

This is an opportunity to step into a newly created senior leadership role in an award winning, successful business with a collaborative culture, and to have a material impact on performance and growth. The role is based in Moe and Morwell, offering an excellent lifestyle in regional Victoria.

To apply or enquire

For a confidential discussion, please contact James Mooney, Research Associate on 0435 171 052 or Richard Elstone, Partner on 0419 417 246, alternatively, please email your resume and cover letter to ***email_hidden***

Please note that this appointment is being managed exclusively by Amrop Carmichael Fisher, any candidates who apply directly to Safetech will be forwarded to us for consideration.