Operations Manager – Site & Manufacturing

Howmet Fastening Systems
Clayton South, Melbourne VIC

About Howmet Fastening Systems

Howmet Fastening Systems, part of Howmet Aerospace, is a leading designer and manufacturer of aerospace and industrial fasteners, latches, fluid fittings and installation tools. Our products are used across commercial and military aircraft, jet engines, industrial gas turbines, automotive and commercial transportation, renewable energy, construction and industrial equipment.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take overall responsibility for the leadership, operation and performance of our Melbourne manufacturing and distribution site.

This is a senior, hands-on site leadership position with end-to-end accountability for manufacturing, distribution and day-to-day site operations. The Operations Manager will ensure the facility operates safely, efficiently and in accordance with Howmet’s quality, environmental and operational standards.

The successful candidate will provide visible leadership across the site, develop a high-performing workforce and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

- Take overall responsibility for the safe, compliant and effective operation of the Melbourne manufacturing and distribution facility.

- Provide visible leadership across the site and promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

- Develop and execute annual operational, manufacturing, revenue and workforce plans.

- Coordinate manufacturing and site activities with supporting departments to ensure business objectives and customer requirements are achieved.





- Oversee production planning, manufacturing performance, warehousing, distribution and inventory management.

- Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety requirements, quality standards, company policies and applicable legislation.

- Monitor site and manufacturing performance against key metrics, including safety, quality, delivery, OEE, productivity, cost and profitability.

- Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen financial performance.

- Ensure customer requirements are met and that operational or quality concerns are investigated and resolved promptly.

- Lead, coach and develop managers, supervisors and employees, including addressing performance and capability matters appropriately.

- Build workforce capability through succession planning, skills development and employee engagement.

- Manage site budgets, forecasts and operational expenditure, using financial and performance data to support effective decision-making.

- Ensure appropriate site risk management, business continuity and contingency plans are maintained.

- Work collaboratively with local, regional and global stakeholders to support Howmet’s broader business objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, operations management or another relevant discipline is mandatory.





- At least 10 years’ experience within a manufacturing environment, including a minimum of five years in progressively responsible leadership positions.

- Demonstrated experience leading a manufacturing site or a significant manufacturing operation.

- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, continuous improvement and operational performance management.

- Proven commitment to workplace health and safety, regulatory compliance and quality.

- Robust commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasts and operational performance.

- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage change and build a positive and accountable workplace culture.

- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

- Experience within aerospace, automotive or another highly regulated manufacturing environment will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

- Competitive salary package.

- Annual discretionary bonus.

- Vehicle allowance.

- Superannuation salary sacrifice arrangements, with company matching of up to 5%.

- Employee Assistance Program services.

- On-site physiotherapy.

- Convenient Clayton South location within walking distance of a train station and other public transport.

Join Our Team

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to take responsibility for an established Melbourne operation and play a key role in its continued performance and development.

If you have the leadership experience, operational capability and commitment to manufacturing excellence required for this position, we encourage you to apply.

📌 Operations Manager (Clayton)
🏢 HOWMET FASTENING SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA
📍 Clayton