Workshop Manager / Production Manager �� Rocklea, QLD
�� $110,000 – $120,000 + Super
�� Full-time, Permanent (Site-Based)

The Opportunity
A key leadership position within a well-established steel fabrication and manufacturing business, responsible for end-to-end workshop operations, production output, and workforce performance.
This role sits across production, HSE, quality, and planning — with full accountability for ensuring fabrication activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in line with stringent quality and delivery standards.
You will lead a multi-disciplinary team across supervisors, leading hands, and support functions, driving performance against defined KPI’s while embedding structured processes, continuous improvement, and strong cultural leadership.

Core Responsibilities Production Leadership & Planning

• Own and actively manage the production plan, ensuring labour, equipment, and work centres are optimally allocated across all active jobs
• Continuously monitor production progress, adjusting resourcing and sequencing to maintain DIFOT commitments and throughput targets
• Drive adherence to production schedules, ensuring capacity utilisation across work centres remains consistently above target levels
• Collaborate closely with planning, admin, and supply chain to ensure material availability and workflow alignment

Workshop Operations & Performance

• Lead daily workshop operations across fabrication, welding, and finishing activities
• Manage production performance against measurable KPI’s including:
  • DIFOT (>95%)
  • Right First Time (>99.5% per process)
  • Productivity vs estimated hours (>90% baseline)
  • Capacity utilisation (>95%)
  • Rework / NCR impact (<1% of production time)
  • Analyse variances between estimated vs actual production performance, implementing corrective actions

HSE Management & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture across all workshop activities
• Ensure compliance with SWMS, SOPs, and all relevant safety procedures
• Oversee pre-starts, operator maintenance, and safe system of work adherence
• Work closely with HSE and HR to maintain competency matrices, licensing, and refresher training requirements
• Conduct risk assessments, toolbox talks, and incident investigations as required

Quality & Fabrication Standards

• Ensure all fabrication and welding activities meet defined quality standards, tolerances, and specifications
• Oversee implementation and compliance with ITPs (Inspection & Test Plans), hold points, and QA documentation
• Maintain strict control over non-conformances, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventative actions
• Ensure traceability and documentation is maintained in line with internal and ISO-aligned systems

Technical Oversight

• Provide hands-on technical leadership across structural steel fabrication and welding processes (MIG, FCAW, Stick, etc.)
• Interpret and validate shop drawings, fabrication drawings, and welding symbols
• Ensure correct application of relevant Australian Standards (e.g. AS/NZS 1554, AS 4100, ISO 3834)
• Support resolution of complex fabrication or production issues

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a large workshop team (including supervisors and trades), driving accountability and performance
• Manage performance, behaviour, and disciplinary processes where required
• Build a high-performance culture aligned to safety, quality, and delivery outcomes
• Mentor emerging leaders within the workshop structure

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Participate in S&OP / operations meetings, providing accurate updates on production status, risks, and constraints
• Coordinate closely with transport/logistics to ensure delivery commitments are met
• Ensure timely flow of QC and production documentation to support downstream functions (admin, invoicing, etc.)

About You

• Trade-qualified in Boilermaking, Fabrication, or Welding (Cert III minimum)
• Proven experience leading fabrication/workshop operations within structural steel or heavy manufacturing
• Strong working knowledge of welding processes, fabrication tolerances, and workshop sequencing
• Demonstrated ability to manage production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation in a live environment
• Experience leading large teams (multi-shift environments advantageous)
• Strong understanding of HSE systems, risk management, and compliance frameworks
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret production metrics and drive performance improvements

Highly Regarded

• Welding Supervisor / Inspector qualifications (AS 1796 / AS 2214)
• Exposure to ISO 9001 quality systems and structured QA processes
• Strong understanding of LEAN manufacturing principles and CI methodologies
• High Risk Work Licences (Forklift, Dogging, Rigging)
• Experience across estimating, planning, or broader operations functions

Why Join

• Senior leadership role with full operational ownership of a busy fabrication workshop
• Stable, privately owned business with strong project pipeline
• Family-oriented culture with low bureaucracy and fast decision-making
• Opportunity to drive real change across systems, processes, and performance