Please note, this is a site-based role at Ironwood Australia's Pampoolah mill, near Old Bar and Taree on the NSW Mid North Coast. It is not a Newcastle-based role.

About the Role

This is a full time, hands‑on operational leadership role based onsite at Ironwood Australia’s Pampoolah mill, leading production, people and operational performance.

Reporting to the Director, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day‑to‑day running of the mill, yard and production environment, ensuring work is planned, resourced and completed safely, efficiently and to the required quality standard.

You’ll lead and support the operational team across production priorities, workflow, equipment coordination, stock accuracy, loadout execution, quality control, maintenance priorities and site safety. The role is practical and visible, not just office bound. It requires someone who is comfortable being on the floor, solving problems, setting expectations and keeping the team moving in the right direction.

At the same time, this is not only a hands‑on floor leadership role. As part of Ironwood’s broader business transformation, strong capability with systems, reporting and using the Ironwood Hub (Sharepoint) is essential. The role will help improve operational structures, SOPs, production and stock visibility, operational dashboards, workflow processes and practical improvement initiatives that support day‑to‑day operations.

This is an chance to shape the next phase of Ironwood's operational growth and build a high‑performing production team.

The Operations Manager will also be involved in R&D;, product trials and manufacturing improvement initiatives, supporting the business to test, refine and improve milling processes, product outcomes, recovery, quality and efficiency.

This role would suit someone with strong experience in manufacturing, timber, sawmilling, heavy industry, production, construction materials, engineering or a comparable hands‑on operational environment. Experience leading people in a practical, safety‑critical workplace is essential.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead daily mill, yard and production operations to ensure work is planned,



prioritised and completed safely.
- Lead and support the mill production team, including work allocation, daily expectations, communication and team coordination.
- Manage day‑to‑day people matters, including attendance, conduct, training needs and early performance concerns, escalating formal HR matters as required.
- Manage workflow, labour, equipment, materials, stock movement and production priorities.
- Maintain safe work practices, operational risk controls, housekeeping and site standards.
- Oversee quality control, product readiness, stock accuracy and physical inventory management.
- Support loadout execution and coordinate closely with Dispatch, Sales and Finance to maintain operational flow.
- Identify and resolve bottlenecks, delays, rework, downtime and workflow gaps.
- Support implementation of operational SOPs, training standards and consistent work practices.
- Lead or support R&D;, product trials and manufacturing improvement initiatives.
- Improve operational systems, technology, reporting, stock visibility and workflow structures.
- Coordinate maintenance priorities, equipment readiness and external service support as required.
- Communicate clearly with the Director and wider team on safety, production, staffing, equipment and operational risks.

What We're Looking For

- Operations leadership experience in manufacturing, timber, sawmilling, heavy industry, production, construction materials, engineering or a comparable hands‑on environment.
- Experience leading practical operational teams in a fast‑paced, safety‑focused workplace.
- Strong understanding of production workflow, equipment coordination, stock control, quality control and site safety.
- A hands‑on leadership style,



with the ability to be visible on the floor and support the team directly.
- Ability to improve structure, systems, technology use and processes without overcomplicating the work.
- Strong communication, follow‑through and problem‑solving skills.
- Confidence managing competing priorities, operational pressure and changing daily demands.
- Experience with R&D;, product trials, process improvement or manufacturing improvement would be highly regarded.
- Forklift, machinery, WHS, timber, trade or manufacturing qualifications/tickets are desirable.

About Ironwood Australia

Ironwood Australia is a growing regional timber business focused on reclaimed, recycled and sustainable Australian hardwood products. We supply and mill timber products including decking, cladding, flooring, stair treads, posts, beams and feature timbers for residential and commercial projects.

Our Pampoolah site includes a working mill and operational yard environment, supported by a Sydney showroom and sales presence. We value practical teamwork, sustainability, reliability, quality and people who take real ownership of their role.

As the business continues to grow, this role has been designed to strengthen operational leadership, improve workflow, support better systems and help the business continue building a safer, more structured and more efficient operating environment.

Relocate to the Mid North Coast

Not based locally? This role may suit an experienced operations leader looking to relocate to the Mid North Coast and build a long‑term role in a growing regional business.

Based near Old Bar and Taree, Ironwood Australia’s Pampoolah site offers access to beaches, rivers, hinterland and the wider Manning Valley lifestyle. The region provides a practical alternative to larger metro centres, with a strong community feel, lower living pressures and meaningful leadership work in a hands‑on operational environment.

For candidates from regional or metro locations, this may be an opportunity to combine career progression with a lifestyle move. Relocation support may be available for the right candidate.

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📌 Operations Manager (New South Wales)
🏢 Coast to Country HR
📍 New South Wales