Job Description
We are seeking an accomplished Head of Manufacturing Programs & Growth to lead a significant portfolio of complex engineering and advanced manufacturing programs within a sophisticated defence environment.
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This is a senior leadership role combining manufacturing operations, program delivery, and commercial growth. You will lead 3 Operations Managers and have broader responsibility for approximately 300 indirect reports across Engineering, Machining, Electrical, Electronics and specialist trades.
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The Role
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You will be responsible for:
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Leading manufacturing performance across safety, quality, cost, and schedule
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Providing strategic oversight across a portfolio of complex, interdependent programs
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Leading and developing 3 Operations Managers, with oversight of a multidisciplinary workforce of approximately 300 people
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Managing priorities, resources, risks, and program-level trade-offs to optimise delivery
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Driving strong governance, assurance, and cross-functional performance reviews
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Embedding APQP, quality excellence and continuous improvement
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Building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, customers, and internal leadership teams
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Identifying and shaping opportunities to expand manufacturing capability and support future business growth
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Bringing a strong commercial and growth mindset to operational and strategic decision-making
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About You
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We are looking for a senior leader who brings a strong blend of manufacturing leadership, complex program management, and commercial capability.
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You will ideally bring:
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Significant leadership experience within complex manufacturing, engineering, or operational environments
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Proven delivery of large-scale programs or portfolios
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Experience leading large, multidisciplinary technical teams through senior operational leaders
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Solid commercial acumen with experience identifying growth, capability expansion, or new business opportunities
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Demonstrated ability to manage complex risks, interdependencies, budgets, and resources
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Strong senior stakeholder engagement, influencing, and decision-making capability
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Experience within Defence, Aerospace, Electronic Systems, Electronic Warfare, Sensing, or similarly complex technology environments will be highly regarded
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This role will suit a commercially minded manufacturing leader who can operate at both the strategic and operational level driving current program performance while helping shape future capability and growth.
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Australian Citizenship is essential, along with eligibility to obtain and maintain an NV1 Australian Defence Security Clearance and meet applicable export control requirements.
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📌 Manufacturing Manager (South Australia)
🏢 Talent
📍 South Australia