Top Coat IFC, Darwin’s newest powder coating operation, is looking for an Operations Manager to take the reins of our growing operation — owning the commercial, customer, and day-to-day running of the business as we scale from the ground up.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who’s just as comfortable talking to customers and pricing a job as they are keeping a workshop running on time. You won’t need to be a powder coater yourself — you’ll have a skilled Powdercoating Team Leader and production crew handling the technical side. What we need is someone who can bring structure, commercial nous, and steady leadership to the whole operation.
About Top Coat IFC
Top Coat IFC is a dedicated powder coating facility servicing the fabrication, construction, marine, and industrial sectors across Darwin. We focus on proper preparation, consistent coating quality, and reliable turnaround times. It’s a new operation with modern equipment and the backing of an established industrial group.
The Role
Reporting to the Business Director, you’ll hold end-to-end responsibility for the safe, efficient, and profitable running of Top Coat IFC. The emphasis is firmly on the business side — customers, quoting, planning, and performance — while making sure the production floor delivers quality work on schedule through the team you lead.
It’s a broad role that moves between the office and the workshop. As the business grows, this position will shape how we operate, and may see coordination and administrative functions split into dedicated roles over time.
Key Responsibilities
Customers & commercial
– Act as the main point of contact for customers, from first enquiry through to completion
– Understand customer requirements and turn them into clear job briefs for the team
– Keep customers updated on progress, timelines, and completion
– Build strong customer relationships that drive repeat work
Quoting & costing
– Prepare accurate job estimates based on labour, materials, and processing
– Issue quotes promptly and follow them through to won work
– Submit approved costings to Renko Accounts for invoicing and financial processing
– Keep an eye on job profitability and pricing
Planning & scheduling
– Build and maintain daily and weekly production schedules
– Plan and batch jobs for efficient processing
– Manage throughput, turnaround times, and bottlenecks
– Forecast labour and resourcing needs as volumes grow
Leading the operation
– Lead, support, and develop the Powdercoating Team Leader and production team
– Set priorities and make sure work is completed to schedule and to standard
– Build structured processes, accountability, and a strong team culture
– Report performance to senior management and drive improvements across the business
Quality, safety & resources
– Make sure quality standards are met across preparation, coating, and curing — through the team and its established procedures
– Ensure all work meets WHS requirements, with correct PPE and safe operating practices
– Oversee stock levels of powders, consumables, and materials
– Keep work areas clean, organised, and well-run
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience managing a business unit, operation, or team, ideally in an industrial, trades, manufacturing, or service environment
- Strong commercial sense, with experience in quoting, costing, or customer-facing coordination
- Confidence leading people and juggling competing priorities
- Excellent organisation, planning, and problem-solving skills
- A safety-first mindset and a sound understanding of WHS
- Experience in a start-up or growing operation highly regarded
- Powder coating, coating, or similar trade experience is desirable but not essential — we’ll back the right manager to get across the technical side
- Forklift License (Or willing to obtain)
- Australian resident or valid working visa
What You’ll Get
- The chance to lead and shape Darwin’s newest industrial coating business
- A full-time, stable role with a clear growth trajectory
- Competitive pay based on experience
- Real influence over systems, workflow, and team culture
- The backing of an established industrial group
Sound like you? We’d love to hear from you.
