About us

We design, fabricate and install quality custom fencing, gates and metal products for homeowners, builders, developers, and commercial clients across Perth. Every job is made to order in our own workshop and installed by our own teams.

We are an established, owner led business with a strong local reputation, now in an exciting growth phase. We are investing in great people, better systems and modern technology, including AI, to build a business that is as well run as the products we make.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of an established, owner backed fabrication and installation business at a pivotal point in its growth.

As General Manager Operations, you will lead the business day to day, working closely with the Managing Director. Your focus is operational: running a busy fabrication workshop and installation function, delivering projects on time and to a high standard, and making sure our customers have a great experience from initial contact to installed job.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of boilermakers, welders, trade assistants, installers and office staff, with managers across operations, installation and the office alongside you. The Managing Director brings deep strategy, finance and operational experience, and is committed to backing the right leader with investment in people, systems and technology.

This role suits a hands-on manufacturing leader who is most at home on the workshop floor and on site and who wants genuine ownership of how a business runs.

What you will be doing

Operations and delivery

- Lead the fabrication workshop and installation teams as one seamless flow, so jobs are delivered on time, right first time and to a high standard

- Plan and schedule production and installation to meet customer commitments, matching capacity to demand

- Ensure all work is built to approved designs, specifications and Australian Standards

- Drive continuous improvement in productivity, quality, rework and materials management

- Oversee procurement, supplier performance, stock control and work in progress (WIP), ensuring materials are purchased cost-effectively and available when needed, inventory records are accurate,



excess stock and waste are minimised, and jobs progress promptly through to completion and invoicing.

Customers and projects

- Build strong relationships with customers, builders, developers and commercial clients

- Oversee larger and more complex projects from handover through to completion, keeping customers informed along the way

- Resolve customer issues and warranty matters promptly and fairly to protect our reputation

People and culture

- Lead, develop and hold accountable a strong team of managers, tradespeople and installers

- Foster a culture of ownership, accountability and pride in the work, and attract and retain great people

Safety and risk

- Lead a safety first culture and meet all workplace health and safety obligations

- Manage insurance, warranty and contractual risk

Systems and reporting

- Run the operation through clear KPIs and a regular operating rhythm

- Keep the Managing Director informed with concise reporting and well-reasoned recommendations, and help improve our systems and use of technology

Commercial performance

- Work with the Managing Director to deliver budget, margin and cost targets, keeping a close eye on job costs, materials and labour efficiency

- Support the sales team in the project management of large commercial jobs

- Liaise with Sales team to proactively manage jobs won throughput to optimise production resourcing and planning

The ideal candidate

You are a practical, people focused manufacturing leader who sets clear direction and high standards, makes timely, well-reasoned decisions and follows through. You hold yourself and others to account, delegate well, solve problems at the root and communicate openly with your team, customers and owners.

You enjoy building a business,



and you see developing systems and processes as an opportunity rather than a frustration.

Essential

- Proven senior leadership experience as a General Manager, Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager in a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment

- Working knowledge of fabrication processes and a track record of leading teams of boilermakers, welders and trade assistants

- Experience managing customers and delivering projects in a made to order, project based or installation environment

- Strong production planning, scheduling and people management skills

- Sound commercial understanding of job costing, margins and budgets

- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft Office suite

- A genuine interest in AI and current technology, and openness to using it to improve how the business runs

- A sound understanding of workplace health and safety obligations

Highly regarded

- Practical experience using AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT

- Experience with fencing, gates or other made to order building products

- Experience leading or supporting a sales team

- A trade background, or a tertiary qualification in engineering, business or construction management

- Experience implementing job management or ERP software

What is on offer

- Salary of $140,000 to $180,000 plus super, negotiable according to experience

- Performance bonus linked to business results

- Genuine autonomy to lead and shape the operation, backed by supportive and experienced Managing Director

- A business committed to investing in its people, systems and technology

- A long term opportunity to grow with the business as it expands

- A permanent, full time role with an established WA business

If you are a hands on manufacturing leader ready to take ownership of a growing business and leave a lasting mark, we would like to hear from you.

How to apply

Please apply through SEEK with an up to date résumé and a short cover letter outlining your manufacturing, fabrication and leadership achievements. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a confidential discussion.

All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.

📌 General Manager Operations (Malaga)
🏢 Fencemakers
📍 Malaga