Manufacturing Excellence & Engineering Manager
Lead measurable improvements in manufacturing performance and deliver the equipment and engineering projects that support the next stage of growth.
This is a senior, hands-on role reporting directly to the General Manager and leading a small engineering and project team.
You will own the manufacturing improvement programme and work across Production, Maintenance, Planning, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Design and Quality to turn performance data into practical, sustained improvements.
You will also lead machinery purchases, manufacturing upgrades and capital projects from initial requirements and equipment selection through installation, commissioning and safe handover to Production.
Key responsibilities
Lead improvements in OEE, equipment availability, production speed, changeover performance and product quality
Establish reliable performance reporting and identify the greatest sources of production loss
Lead investigations into recurring machine, tooling, material, staffing and process issues
Run focused performance reviews, agree actions with department leaders and follow through to completion
Work with Maintenance to strengthen preventive maintenance effectiveness, reliability planning and critical spare parts arrangements
Improve machine setups, operating standards, troubleshooting methods and technical capability
Identify opportunities for automation, new machinery, equipment upgrades and improved production flow
Consult with internal stakeholders to define equipment requirements, technical specifications, capacity, quality standards and operational needs
Source suitable machinery and equipment, obtain and assess supplier quotations,



compare technical and commercial proposals, and recommend purchases for approval
Develop equipment layouts with the relevant teams, considering production flow, utilities, access, maintenance requirements and safety
About you
At least five years of direct experience leading manufacturing improvement, operational excellence, reliability or engineering projects
A proven record of delivering sustained improvements in OEE, uptime, throughput, waste or manufacturing cost
Strong practical understanding of production machinery and manufacturing processes
Experience specifying, sourcing and evaluating manufacturing machinery and equipment
Demonstrated experience managing capital equipment or automation projects from initial requirements through installation, commissioning and handover
Practical experience coordinating machinery risk assessments and implementing safe operating arrangements with technical specialists
Confidence working with department managers, challenging assumptions constructively and securing action
Experience leading technical staff, suppliers, contractors or improvement teams
Solid root cause analysis, data analysis and project management skills
An engineering qualification, or a relevant technical trade background supported by substantial manufacturing leadership experience
About us
Vacupack is a Melbourne-based manufacturer of food packaging, operating injection moulding, thermoforming and extrusion equipment.
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📌 Manufacturing Excellence & Engineering Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Vacupack
📍 Melbourne