Melbourne Production Manager

About Us

CEA is an Australian Commonwealth company that designs develops manufactures and sustains advanced active phased array radar systems. The companys design principles and commitment to investment in research and development ensures innovative thinking technological skill and quality fabrication.

Our programs include the ANZAC and Hunter Class frigates and air defence applications for Army and Air Force and Range applications. Through our longstanding and ongoing collaboration with Defence CEA Technologies has undertaken research and development into all aspects of active electronically scanned array technologies. This has resulted in the creation of a highly modular and scalable product suite which have become integral to a wide range of critical Defence capabilities.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced commercially minded and hands-on Plant Manager to take responsibility for a substantial CNC machining and precision engineering operation employing more than 60 people.

This is a senior position for someone who understands manufacturing knows how to lead a complex operation and has the confidence to take ownership of plant performance people productivity and operational outcomes.

Working closely with senior leadership you will play a key role in driving operational performance improving efficiency and ensuring the business has the people processes and systems required to achieve its objectives.

You will be expected to maintain a visible presence on the factory floor understand the challenges facing the operation and work collaboratively with experienced technical specialists and senior team members to identify opportunities resolve problems and implement improvements.

You do not need to be a qualified CNC machinist or the technical expert in every discipline. However you must have a sound understanding of manufacturing operations and the ability to engage credibly with experienced machinists programmers engineers and technical leaders.

We are looking for a leader who can combine commercial thinking practical manufacturing knowledge and strong people leadership to run the operation effectively and deliver measurable business results.

Key responsibilities

Oversee daily production operations and ensure all manufacturing processes run smoothly and efficiently

Manage and supervise production teams including recruitment training performance management and development

Monitor production schedules output targets and quality standards to ensure compliance with company specifications

Implement and maintain health and safety protocols across the production facility ensuring regulatory compliance

Identify areas for operational improvement and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce costs

Manage production budgets and control expenditure on materials labour and equipment

Coordinate maintenance schedules and equipment upkeep to minimise downtime

Report on key performance indicators and production metrics to senior management

Liaise with other departments including quality assurance logistics and planning to ensure seamless operations

Respond to and resolve production issues and bottlenecks promptly and effectively

About you

Minimum 10 years experience in a production management or similar supervisory role within a manufacturing environment

Proven track record of successfully managing production teams and achieving operational targets

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Excellent understanding of health safety and environmental regulations relevant to manufacturing operations

Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control costs whilst maintaining quality standards

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions under pressure

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and develop team members

Proficiency in production planning software and Microsoft Office applications

Certification or qualifications in production management engineering or related field (preferred)

Experience with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting (advantageous)

What we offer

A senior leadership position with meaningful responsibility and influence.

The opportunity to lead a significant CNC machining and precision engineering operation.

Direct engagement with business ownership and senior leadership.

The scope to influence operational strategy people systems and business performance.

The opportunity to build on existing technical capability and develop a stronger manufacturing operation.

A business environment where initiative sound judgement and measurable results are valued.

A competitive remuneration package reflecting the scale and responsibility of the role.

Six weeks of paid annual leave per year

Superannuation of 14.0%

Paid parental compassionate defence reserve & voluntary emergency services leave

Employee assistance and wellbeing programs

Access to health insurance for the defence community partners and families

Salary packaging for novated leasing

Opportunities for professional growth and development

Eligibility

An Australian Citizen;

Eligible to obtain and maintain an AGSVA clearance Negative Vetting 1.

To find out more about our Citizenship and Nationality requirements please visit

Diversity Equality and Inclusion at CEA

CEA is committed to fostering a diverse equitable and inclusive environment. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we strive to create a culture where all employees are respected and empowered to contribute positively to our organisation regardless of their cultural background age gender identity neurodiversity disability family and carer commitments religion or sexuality.

We welcome applications from veterans those returning from a career break people with disabilities and those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

For information on Equal Employment Opportunity & Privacy or Security & Citizenship requirements please visit you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process please let us know. You can also email for a confidential discussion.

Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted