Job Description
Take ownership. Lead the team. Drive improvement.
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Apache Coatings is looking for a highly organised, hands-on Operations Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day performance and continuous improvement of our powder coating operation.
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We are looking for someone with serious initiative - a person who sees opportunities, solves problems and drives improvements without waiting to be told what to do.
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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.
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The Role
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You will take ownership of:
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Daily production planning, scheduling and resource allocation
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Leading, developing and holding the production team accountable
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Ensuring production flows efficiently and targets are achieved
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Maintaining a clean, organised and professional factory
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Quality control and reducing defects and rework
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Identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement
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Proactively developing and implementing solutions
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Continuously improving productivity, labour efficiency and workflow
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Identifying opportunities for better equipment, processes and automation
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WHS, operational standards and compliance
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Monitoring operational KPIs and reporting performance to management
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The formal role covers the entire production operation from preparation and blasting through powder coating, quality, packing and dispatch.
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About You
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We are looking for someone who:
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Has exceptional initiative and follow-through
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Takes genuine ownership and accountability
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Naturally looks for ways to make an operation better
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Is highly organised and plans ahead
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Can lead people firmly, positively and respectfully
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Is comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility for outcomes
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Uses data and facts to identify and solve problems
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Doesn't accept recurring problems as simply "the way things are"
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Can turn an idea into a practical improvement plan
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Thrives in a fast-moving manufacturing environment
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You'll ideally have 5+ 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.
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What Success Looks Like
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The schedule is current. The factory is organised. The team knows what's expected. Production flows. Quality improves. Rework reduces. Problems are solved.
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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.
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I think "serious initiative" + "commercial thinking" + "follow-through" are actually more significant 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 (Queensland)
🏢 Apache Coatings
📍 Queensland