Production Manager – Manufacturing & Recycling Operations

Lead a new chapter of growth in resource recovery

About Our Client An established Victorian business specialising in end-of-life tyre collection, processing and the manufacture of recycled rubber products. With a solid focus on service, reliability and innovation, the company supplies recycled materials to a broad range of Australian manufacturing and infrastructure industries.

The Opportunity

They are seeking an experienced, commercially minded Production Manager to take ownership of there manufacturing operations and help drive the next stage of the business's development.

Reporting into the business's leadership structure, you will oversee day-to-day plant performance, lead production and maintenance personnel, and ensure operations are safe, productive, reliable and cost-effective.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to someone who enjoys being close to the operation, solving problems in real time and turning improvement opportunities into measurable results. You will have an important role in commissioning new operations, developing effective systems and establishing the standards required for sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Environment & Compliance

- Set clear expectations for workplace health and safety and promote a proactive, zero-harm culture.

- Maintain compliance with relevant WHS legislation, environmental obligations and internal procedures.

- Lead incident reviews, workplace inspections, audits and corrective actions.

- Ensure contractors and high-risk work activities are managed appropriately.

Production & Operational Performance

- Develop production plans that align with customer demand, available resources and business priorities.

- Drive output, throughput and productivity targets while maintaining consistent operating standards.

- Coordinate people, plant and materials to minimise interruptions and production constraints.

- Monitor operational performance and take prompt action when results fall short of expectations.

Maintenance & Asset Reliability





- Establish and oversee preventative and predictive maintenance practices.

- Coordinate breakdown response, planned repairs and plant shutdowns.

- Work to improve equipment availability, reliability and overall plant performance.

- Take an active role in troubleshooting mechanical and operational issues.

Quality & Customer Delivery

- Ensure recycled rubber products meet agreed specifications and quality requirements.

- Maintain appropriate quality checks, testing processes and corrective action procedures.

- Work closely with sales, logistics and customer service to deliver orders accurately and on time.

Financial & Commercial Management

- Monitor operating expenditure, production costs and performance against budget.

- Identify opportunities to reduce labour, energy, maintenance and processing costs.

- Improve cost per tonne while protecting safety, quality and customer service.

- Use operational data and KPIs to guide decisions and improve profitability.

People Leadership & Continuous Improvement

- Lead, coach and develop supervisors, operators, maintenance personnel and contractors.

- Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, clear communication and high performance.

- Set expectations, provide feedback and support effective workforce planning.

- Introduce practical improvements to processes, productivity, quality and resource utilisation.

- Participate directly in commissioning, fault-finding and resolving day-to-day operational challenges.

About You

You are an energetic and practical operations leader who combines strong manufacturing knowledge with commercial awareness and the ability to bring people along with you.

You are comfortable making decisions, addressing issues quickly and taking responsibility for operational outcomes.



You understand that strong production results come from disciplined planning, reliable equipment, capable people and a consistent focus on safety and quality.

You will bring

- A proactive approach to planning, organising resources and anticipating operational challenges.

- Strong mechanical aptitude and the confidence to investigate and resolve equipment or process problems.

- The ability to interpret production data, understand key performance indicators and identify areas for improvement.

- A hands-on leadership style that sets the standard through personal example.

- Clear communication skills and the confidence to hold people accountable fairly and constructively.

- A practical, solutions-focused mindset and the ability to perform in a changing industrial environment.

- A genuine commitment to the business's growth, customers, people and long-term success.

Skills & Experience

Essential

- At least five years' experience leading manufacturing, recycling, quarrying, waste management, mining, processing or comparable industrial operations.

- Proven experience managing production and maintenance teams.

- Strong mechanical understanding and practical troubleshooting skills.

- Sound knowledge of workplace health and safety and environmental management requirements.

- Experience managing operational budgets, production KPIs and cost performance.

Desirable

- A relevant trade qualification.

- An engineering qualification.

- Training or practical experience in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement or operational excellence.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact in an established business entering a significant growth phase. You will help shape the performance of a new processing operation, strengthen manufacturing systems and contribute directly to the company's future success.

If you are ready to take ownership, lead from the front and help build a more productive and reliable operation, we would welcome your application.

Submit a Cover Letter outlining your Skills/Experience for the role

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