Take ownership.
Lead the team.
Drive improvement.
Apache Coatings is looking for a highly organised, hands-onOperations Managerto take ownership of the day-to-day performance and continuous improvement of our powder coating operation.
We are looking for someone withserious initiative- a person who sees opportunities, solves problems and drives improvements without waiting to be told what to do.
This is not an office-only management role.
You'll be close to the factory floor, leading the team, maintaining the production schedule, improving workflow and ensuring the operation performs every day.
The Role
You will take ownership of:
Daily production planning, scheduling and resource allocation
Leading, developing and holding the production team accountable
Ensuring production flows efficiently and targets are achieved
Maintaining a clean, organised and professional factory
Quality control and reducing defects and rework
Identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement
Proactively developing and implementing solutions
Continuously improving productivity, labour efficiency and workflow
Identifying opportunities for better equipment, processes and automation
WHS, operational standards and compliance
Monitoring operational KPIs and reporting performance to management
The formal role covers the entire production operation from preparation and blasting through powder coating, quality, packing and dispatch.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
Hasexceptional initiative and follow-through




Takes genuine ownership and accountability
Naturally looks for ways to make an operation better
Is highly organised and plans ahead
Can lead people firmly, positively and respectfully
Is comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility for outcomes
Uses data and facts to identify and solve problems
Doesn't accept recurring problems as simply "the way things are"
Can turn an idea into a practical improvement plan
Thrives in a fast-moving manufacturing workplace
You'll ideally have5+ years' experience in manufacturing, production or operational management, with proven people leadership and strong planning, scheduling and continuous-improvement capability.
Powder coating experience is highly regarded but not essential.
What Success Looks Like
The schedule is current.
The factory is organised.
The team knows what's expected.
Production flows.
Quality improves.
Rework reduces.
Problems are solved.
Most importantly,you don't wait for senior management to identify what needs improving.
You take ownership, bring forward solutions and drive the operation forward.
I think"serious initiative" + "commercial thinking" + "follow-through"are actually more important selection criteria for this hire than powder-coating knowledge.
Your existing PD already calls for an initiative-taking person who works without supervision, problem-solves and offers suggestions and alternatives; I'd make those attributes central to how you interview candidates too.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Operations Manager (Brisbane)
🏢 Apache Coatings
📍 Brisbane