ABOUT THE COMPANY

We are proud to be partnering with Barker Trailers, an industry institution that has been manufacturing quality heavy fabricated transport equipment since 1974. Based in Woodend, the company has been a cornerstone of trailer manufacturing for 51 years. From humble beginnings, they have evolved into a business producing world-class semi-trailers and providing customers with reliable transport solutions.

Barker Trailers is seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Manufacturing & Operations to join the Senior Leadership Team and lead end-to-end operational performance across their Woodend and Maryborough facilities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the CEO and operating as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will lead all manufacturing activities across both sites, driving consistent workflows, operational efficiency and a strong safety-first culture. You will be accountable for performance across production and maintenance, and will champion lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Other responsibilities include

- Leading production functions across all area managers (Fabrication, Paint, Finishing) and overseeing facilities maintenance via the Maintenance Manager

- Driving safety, quality, delivery and cost targets (to be set and agreed) and establishing consistent workflows across both sites

- Monitoring and reporting key operational metrics (to be determined), using data to improve throughput, reduce waste and lift performance

- Championing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across time, materials and processes





- Overseeing quality practices and maintaining strong feedback loops with Engineering to drive first time quality improvements

- Prioritising and supporting innovation and product development projects aligned to strategic objectives

- Building a high-performing leadership team through mentoring, structured development and performance reviews

- Leading OH&S; compliance, promoting secure behaviours and representing the SLT on the OH&S; Committee

- Contributing to strategic planning and acting as CEO in the CEO’s absence when required

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE To be considered for this position, you will bring proven leadership experience in manufacturing operations, ideally within heavy fabrication, transport equipment, trailer manufacturing or related industrial environments.

Other prerequisites include

- Demonstrated experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement

- Strong understanding of quality systems/standards and workplace health and safety legislation and compliance

- Experience establishing, tracking and reporting operational KPIs and production metrics

- Sound commercial awareness including budgeting concepts and performance evaluation





- Proficiency with MS Office and ERP systems

- Outstanding communication, strong decision-making capability and a practical, grounded leadership style
- A results-driven approach, attention to detail, and the ability to build accountability and positive culture across multiple sites

COMPANY CULTURE

Barker Trailers values people - employees, customers, suppliers, and partners - and is committed to building strong, respectful relationships that drive long-term success. They look out for each other, listen, collaborate, and create a safe, supportive environment where everyone can do their best work. They operate with integrity and accountability, take pride in their workmanship, and make informed decisions using data, customer feedback and industry insight.

ABOUT US

Veritas Recruitment recruits across multiple verticals, with industry-specific recruiters servicing a range of clients. Our divisions include Technical & Operations, Freight and Logistics, Senior Accounting and Finance, Accounting Support and Business Support. To find out more about Veritas and our team, visit www.veritasrecruitment.com.au THE CONSULTANT

John McGlasson specialises in recruiting within the Technical, Operations and Management space, bringing more than 25 years' experience within technical, engineering and operational recruitment across a wide range of industries.

APPLY ONLINE

Please click the appropriate link and send your resume in Word format. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact John McGlasson on 0431 306 ***.

📌 Head of Manufacturing & Operations (Woodend)
🏢 Veritas Recruitment
📍 Woodend