Are you an experienced operations leader with a strong background in manufacturing and a passion for safety, performance, and people leadership?
We are seeking a capable and hands-on Operations Manager to lead our site operations and drive strong outcomes across Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, Performance, and People & Culture. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the site operates efficiently, safely, and in line with business expectations, while fostering a positive and accountable team culture.
About Big River Group
Big River Group is a publicly listed Australian company with over 120 years of experience in timber manufacturing and building materials. With operations across every state, we are recognised as one of Australia’s leading suppliers to the construction and building sector.
The Opportunity
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day and longer-term operations of the site. You will set the standard for operational excellence and play a critical role in ensuring customer orders are delivered in full and on time, site costs are managed effectively, and the site remains a safe and high-performing environment for all employees.
This role requires a leader who can think strategically, lead operational improvement, and engage teams to deliver strong business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Lead the site’s operational agenda across safety, quality, service, performance, cost, and people
- Foster a safe working environment where risk of harm is minimised and employee health and wellbeing is a priority
- Ensure site operations are appropriately resourced to achieve business and safety objectives
- Drive a strong safety culture by ensuring clear accountability across the operations team
- Manage operational costs in line with budget, forecast, and volume expectations
- Ensure customer orders are delivered in full and on time, with a focus on achieving DIFOT targets
- Oversee disciplined daily, weekly, and monthly planning processes to support service delivery and operational stability
- Lead and support continuous improvement across systems, processes, and site resources
- Ensure quality risks are effectively managed through robust quality control processes
- Support the successful delivery of new products and promotional initiatives
- Manage materials and inventory to reduce waste, optimise spend, and support cash flow outcomes
- Lead site culture and team engagement, ensuring clarity of goals, accountability, and capability development
- Work collaboratively with managers, employees, customers, suppliers, and key business stakeholders
About You
- 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in a leadership role is advantageous
- Strong operational leadership capability across planning, manufacturing, distribution, and process improvement
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams to achieve challenging objectives in a positive and productive work environment
- Sound understanding of manufacturing, engineering, and process management
- Strong commercial awareness, including cost management, productivity, and operational efficiency
- Experience leading safety, quality, and service outcomes within a fast-paced operational setting
- The ability to think strategically while remaining hands-on in day-to-day site leadership
- Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and people leadership skills
- Tertiary qualifications are preferred but not essential
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Growth and development opportunities
- Access to Employee Assistance Programs
- Additional bonuses and incentives based on performance
- A supportive, people-first culture where safety and success go hand in hand
Why join us?
This is an excellent opportunity to step into a meaningful leadership role where you can influence site performance, and contribute to broader operational success across the business. We are looking for someone who can make a real impact at site level and who may also have the potential to grow into broader manufacturing leadership opportunities over time.
How to Apply
If you are a motivated and experienced operations leader looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply via Seek with your CV. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Big River Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, inclusion and equality, and are committed to creating a workplace where all employees are respected and supported. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, capability and business needs.
