• Key leadership opportunity to lead Precision Casting operations within a growing advanced manufacturer reporting to the General Manager – Operations;

• Highly influential role supporting significant organisational growth, operational transformation and long-term manufacturing capability; and

• Proudly Australian owned specialists in advanced precision casting, machining and engineering solutions servicing defence, aerospace and high-spec industrial sectors.

Your new Company:

Founded in 1952, AW Bell is a proudly Australian owned and operated niche specialist in precision casting, advanced manufacturing and engineering solutions. Renowned for delivering complex, high-quality components across defence, aerospace, biomedical and high-spec industrial markets, AW Bell continue to invest heavily in technology, people and capability as they position the organisation for substantial growth over the next decade.

Your new role is pivotal in shaping Precision Casting operations as AW Bell continue to successfully evolve and scale year on year. Delivering tailored manufacturing solutions across some of Australia's most technically demanding industries, this career defining opportunity will see you transform day-to-day foundry operations, develop high performing teams and spearhead operational excellence across one of the organisation's most complex manufacturing environments.
 
Your new role:

Reporting to the General Manager of Operations, your new role is one of the key operational leadership positions within AW Bell, overseeing the complete Precision Casting operation (Factory 1) with responsibility across Sand Casting, Investment Casting and Titanium Furnace operations. Leading a team of approximately 45–60 employees through dedicated supervisors, you will work closely alongside the Precision Machining Production Manager to ensure seamless end-to-end manufacturing outcomes as the business continues its exciting growth trajectory.

Your key deliverables will see you:

• Managing the complete Precision Casting operation across Wax Injection, Shell (Mould) Creation, Shell Preparation, Melting, Pouring, After-Cast Finishing and Logistics;

• Leading day-to-day foundry operations whilst maintaining optimum workflow across multiple manufacturing departments;

• Providing visible leadership throughout the factory, regularly engaging with supervisors, identifying operational challenges and ensuring production issues are resolved efficiently;

• Planning, scheduling and sequencing production to consistently achieve customer delivery commitments, quality expectations and business objectives;

• Reviewing production capacity and lead times to support Sales with new customer enquiries and delivery commitments;

• Managing capacity planning, labour utilisation and resource allocation to support both current production requirements and future organisational growth;

• Collaborating closely with Engineering, Projects, Quality, Maintenance, Logistics, Precision Machining and external stakeholders to proactively resolve production constraints;

• Ensuring ERP system integrity through accurate work order management, labour bookings, production reporting, certifications, routings and inventory visibility whilst continually improving utilisation across the operation;

• Monitoring production performance, analysing cost variances, equipment utilisation and operational efficiencies, implementing corrective actions where required;

• Supporting preventative maintenance programs to maximise equipment reliability, foundry uptime and overall production capability;

• Optimising furnace utilisation, production flow and energy consumption to improve operational performance and reduce manufacturing overheads;

• Supporting strategic capital investment projects including the acquisition, installation and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment;

• Ensuring strict compliance with Aerospace, Defence and customer quality standards, process documentation, SOPs, Control Plans, PFMEA and Statistical Process Control requirements;

• Maintaining absolute commitment to OH&S, Quality and Environmental Management Systems whilst fostering a proactive safety-first culture across all operational areas;

• Driving continuous improvement initiatives through Lean Manufacturing principles including 5S, standardisation, waste reduction, workflow optimisation, lead time improvements and operational excellence;

• Leading, coaching and mentoring supervisors whilst developing capability, succession planning, performance management and positive employee engagement;

• Fostering a collaborative, high performance culture where continuous improvement, accountability and teamwork remain at the forefront of daily operations; and

• Collaborating closely with the executive leadership team to support the continued evolution and long-term strategic growth of one of Australia's leading advanced manufacturers.

Your background:

• Bachelor of Engineering essential, specifically in Mechanical or Aerospace preferred;

• Minimum 10 years' experience within technical, complex manufacturing environments - can include foundry, precision casting, metals processing, precision machining or similar advanced manufacturing operations;

• Previous Production Manager or Operations Manager experience leading sizeable, cross-functional manufacturing teams through frontline supervisors;

• Strong understanding of complex manufacturing processes, production planning, scheduling, capacity planning and resource management;

• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and driving measurable continuous improvement outcomes including productivity gains, waste reduction, improved throughput and operational efficiency;

• Strong ERP capability with experience managing production scheduling, work orders, inventory management, reporting and manufacturing data integrity;

• Strong analytical, logical and problem-solving capability with the confidence to challenge technical processes and support informed operational decision making;

• Demonstrated commitment to Quality, OH&S and compliance within highly regulated manufacturing environments including Aerospace and Defence standards;

• A visible, collaborative and hands-on leadership style with exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence, coach and develop people at all levels of the organisation; and

• Looking for a permanent, long-term opportunity where you can work closely with the executive leadership team whilst continuing to evolve alongside a progressive Australian manufacturer.

What you'll get in return:

• Work with a stable, progressive and proudly Australian owned advanced manufacturer where your leadership will directly influence the future success of the business;

• Play a pivotal role in supporting an organisation targeting significant operational growth over the next decade, creating genuine long-term career opportunities;

• Work closely with an accessible executive leadership team with open-door communication and the opportunity to contribute to strategic manufacturing initiatives;

• Excellent workplace culture including regular social events, town halls, modern facilities, on-site gym and outstanding employee amenities;

• Competitive remuneration package reflective of experience together with long-term career progression as the organisation continues to expand; and

• Opportunity to continue developing your leadership capability, in a business where culture is exceptional, and high standards in this advanced manufacturing facility prevail.

How to Apply:

For more information or a confidential discussion please call Lauren Gruescu at u&u on 0422 803 494 quoting the job title.

We look forward to receiving your application and assisting you with your job search.

At u&u Recruitment Partners, we value diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability.

Should you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, we encourage you to make a request via adjustments@uandu.com or phone the above-mentioned u&u consultant to discuss. In response to these requests, we will collaborate closely with you to implement the appropriate adjustments.

Additionally, for a barrier-free and inclusive online experience, you can access u&u’s opportunities using accessibility software Recite Me at https://www.uandu.com/jobs

Please submit your resume in Word format only.

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