Operations Manager

|Manufacturing & Trades - Operations Management|New Zealand

We are looking for an Operations Manager to join a highly regarded organisation that specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced heavy machinery. This is your chance to provide hands-on leadership through using your technical expertise and strategic thinking to ensure operational efficiency to support the growth and success of the company.

This is a newly created role, based in the Bay of Plenty, driven by forward thinking to ensure ongoing leadership coverage for future retirements. This role offers potential for higher leadership opportunities!

The Role
This role leads the day-to-day operations of the bespoke heavy machinery manufacturing facility being responsible for optimising production processes, ensuring quality control, managing a skilled team, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced, highly technical manufacturing environment.

You will be responsible for:

  • Production Management: Assist in managing the heavy machinery production process, from design to testing, ensuring efficient schedules, quality standards, and addressing bottlenecks.
  • Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a cross-functional team, fostering development, collaboration, and communication to meet organisational goals.
  • Quality Control & Compliance: Implement quality control processes, ensure compliance with industry standards, and address product or process issues to maintain high standards.
  • Supply Chain & Inventory Management: Oversee inventory, collaborate with procurement to ensure timely material sourcing, and optimise the supply chain to reduce costs and maintain quality.
  • Process Optimisation: Drive initiatives to improve production efficiency using lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies, monitoring KPIs to implement cost-saving solutions.
  • Client Interaction & Customisation: Collaborate with engineering and sales to meet client specifications, ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
  • Budget & Financial Management: Assist in managing the annual budget, controlling costs while maintaining production quality and tracking financial performance.

The Company
Our client is a trusted leader in designing and manufacturing bespoke heavy machinery, serving both local and international markets. Known for its innovation, integrity, and quality, the company fosters a supportive, family-oriented work environment where employees are valued as individuals. Their strong “number 8 wire” mentality—practical problem solvers who tackle challenges head-on rather than settling for quick fixes—drives their success. With a flat structure that encourages internal growth, a focus on wellbeing, and a culture of creativity, this company is the perfect place for those who take pride in rolling up their sleeves and delivering exceptional results.

What’s in It for You?
This role offers potential for higher leadership opportunities, and joining this team means being part of a company that cares deeply about its people and the communities it serves. They offer a competitive remuneration package, and a range of benefits tailored to support staff wellbeing and foster a positive workplace culture:

  • Senior Leadership Team benefits: Fuel card, additional Kiwisaver and potential tiered bonus
  • Employee Perks: Life insurance, supplier discount cards, prescription safety glasses reimbursement, branded apparel, and more
  • Wellbeing Focus: On-site physio, a Wellbeing Fund for medical treatment and self-care, and monthly morning teas
  • Connected Team: Social events, quarterly catered meetings, a social club, and “Lunch with the Leader” sessions with the Managing Director
  • Career Growth: Opportunities to move within the organisation and develop in a flat, supportive structure
  • Family Environment: A caring culture with a strong emphasis on integrity and personalised support
  • Location Perks: Enjoy the lifestyle of the Bay of Plenty – beaches, lakes, mountains, and trails all at your doorstep, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts

Experience Required

  • Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations
  • Proven leadership experience in operations management within manufacturing environment with industrial equipment, heavy machinery, or similar
  • Proven experience in managing and improving complex manufacturing processes, in a bespoke or custom fabrication environment.
  • Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team to success.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to overcoming operational challenges.

Ready to Bring Your Leadership and Management skills to Life? – Apply Now

If you’re ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding Operations Management role in a supportive and innovative company, apply now!

Alternatively reach out for a confidential discussion with Andrew Hickey on 04 282 1562, email andrew@trs.co.nz

Technical Recruitment Solutions has been New Zealand’s trusted recruitment specialist for industry since 1996.

All our jobs are listed at www.trs.co.nz : If this vacancy is not exactly what you are seeking, then please contact me in confidence to discuss your individual requirements.