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 ( 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr