Workshop Manager / Production Manager
Rocklea, QLD
$110,000 – $130,000 + Super
Full-time, Permanent (Site-Based)
The Opportunity
A key leadership position within a well-established steel fabrication and manufacturing business, responsible for end-to-end workshop operations, production output, and workforce performance.
This role sits across production, HSE, quality, and planning — with full accountability for ensuring fabrication activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in line with stringent quality and delivery standards.
You will lead a multi-disciplinary team across supervisors, leading hands, and support functions, driving performance against defined KPI's while embedding structured processes, continuous improvement, and strong cultural leadership.
Core Responsibilities
Production Leadership & Planning
Own and actively manage the production plan, ensuring labour, equipment, and work centres are optimally allocated across all active jobs
Continuously monitor production progress, adjusting resourcing and sequencing to maintain DIFOT commitments and throughput targets
Drive adherence to production schedules, ensuring capacity utilisation across work centres remains consistently above target levels
Collaborate closely with planning, admin, and supply chain to ensure material availability and workflow alignment
Workshop Operations & Performance
Lead daily workshop operations across fabrication, welding, and finishing activities
Manage production performance against measurable KPI's including
Right First Time (>99.5% per process)
DIFOT (>95%)
Productivity vs estimated hours (>90% baseline)
Capacity utilisation (>95%)
Rework / NCR impact (<1% of production time)
Analyse variances between estimated vs actual production performance, implementing corrective actions
HSE Management & Compliance




Champion a safety-first culture across all workshop activities
Ensure compliance with SWMS, SOPs, and all relevant safety procedures
Oversee pre-starts, operator maintenance, and safe system of work adherence
Work closely with HSE and HR to maintain competency matrices, licensing, and refresher training requirements
Conduct risk assessments, toolbox talks, and incident investigations as required
Quality & Fabrication Standards
Ensure all fabrication and welding activities meet defined quality standards, tolerances, and specifications
Oversee implementation and compliance with ITPs (Inspection & Test Plans), hold points, and QA documentation
Maintain strict control over non-conformances, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventative actions
Ensure traceability and documentation is maintained in line with internal and ISO-aligned systems
Technical Oversight
Provide hands-on technical leadership across structural steel fabrication and welding processes (MIG, FCAW, Stick, etc.)
Interpret and validate shop drawings, fabrication drawings, and welding symbols
Ensure correct application of relevant Australian Standards (e.g. AS/NZS ****, AS ****, ISO ****)
Support resolution of complex fabrication or production issues
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop a large workshop team (including supervisors and trades), driving accountability and performance
Manage performance, behaviour, and disciplinary processes where required
Build a high-performance culture aligned to safety,



quality, and delivery outcomes
Mentor emerging leaders within the workshop structure
Cross-Functional Coordination
Participate in S&OP; / operations meetings, providing accurate updates on production status, risks, and constraints
Coordinate closely with transport/logistics to ensure delivery commitments are met
Ensure timely flow of QC and production documentation to support downstream functions (admin, invoicing, etc.)
About You
Trade-qualified in Boilermaking, Fabrication, or Welding (Cert III minimum)
Proven experience leading fabrication/workshop operations within structural steel or heavy manufacturing
Robust working knowledge of welding processes, fabrication tolerances, and workshop sequencing
Demonstrated ability to manage production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation in a live environment
Experience leading large teams (multi-shift environments advantageous)
Strong understanding of HSE systems, risk management, and compliance frameworks
Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret production metrics and drive performance improvements
Highly Regarded
Welding Supervisor / Inspector qualifications (AS **** / AS ****)
Exposure to ISO **** quality systems and structured QA processes
Strong understanding of LEAN manufacturing principles and CI methodologies
High Risk Work Licences (Forklift, Dogging, Rigging)
Experience across estimating, planning, or broader operations functions
Why Join
Senior leadership role with full operational ownership of a busy fabrication workshop
Stable, privately owned business with strong project pipeline
Family-oriented culture with low bureaucracy and fast decision-making
Opportunity to drive real change across systems, processes, and performance
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