Plant Manager

Plant Manager

Cairns | Full-Time Permanent Opportunity | Relocation Support Available

Lead Manufacturing Operations. Drive Excellence. Build a High-Performing Team.

PERSOL is proud to be partnering with a leading Australian manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced Plant Manager to oversee the operations of their Cairns facility.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished manufacturing leader to take ownership of a significant production environment, driving operational excellence across safety, quality, productivity, cost control and customer service. Reporting to the North Queensland Regional Manager, you will play a key role in delivering business objectives while leading and developing a dedicated team.

Candidates from across Australia are encouraged to apply, with relocation support available for the right individual.

About the Role

As Plant Manager, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the manufacturing facility, ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable operations. You will lead continuous improvement initiatives, optimise production processes, manage resources effectively and maintain the highest standards of quality and customer service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and promote a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with WHS legislation, environmental standards and company requirements
• Translate organisational objectives into effective operational plans and deliver against production, quality and cost targets
• Oversee all aspects of plant operations including production, maintenance, warehousing, inventory and distribution
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, efficiency, quality and cost performance
• Develop and manage capital expenditure budgets, plant requirements and improvement projects
• Establish production schedules, preventative maintenance programs and resource planning processes
• Monitor production output, quality standards and product specifications, implementing solutions to improve performance
• Manage operational performance through effective reporting, analysis and problem solving
• Lead, coach and develop a diverse team, fostering a positive and engaged workplace culture
• Build strong relationships with employees, contractors and unions
• Support product development initiatives and ongoing process improvements About You You are an experienced manufacturing leader with a proven background managing complex plant operations and delivering measurable improvements. You will bring strong commercial acumen, exceptional leadership capability and a commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement. To be successful in this role, you will have:
• 5-10 years' experience within a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated experience managing a production facility
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, systems and operational best practice
• Proven experience leading, developing and engaging teams
• Demonstrated capability managing production plans, budgets, resources and operational KPIs
• Experience managing P&L, capital expenditure and cost improvement initiatives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to implement practical solutions
• Experience using ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety and operational excellence A relevant qualification in manufacturing, engineering, operations or a related discipline will be highly regarded. Candidates without direct industry experience will also be considered where they possess a relevant trade qualification combined with strong manufacturing leadership experience. Why Join? This is an opportunity to join a respected Australian organisation where you will have genuine ownership and influence over the performance of a key manufacturing facility. You will be supported by an experienced leadership team and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through operational improvement, team development and strategic execution. Located in beautiful Cairns, this role offers an exciting lifestyle opportunity for an experienced leader looking to make a move, with relocation assistance available for the successful candidate. Apply now to take the next step in your manufacturing leadership career. For a confidential discussion, please contact Tracey Purcell (***email_hidden***) - Senior Recruitment Consultant w/ PERSOL.

Desired Skills and Experience

Proven manufacturing leadership experience, with strong skills in plant operations, safety, production optimisation, people leadership, budgeting, continuous improvement and stakeholder management.