Operations Manager

Operations Manager

• Competitive Salary with Quarterly bonuses
• Lower Hutt Location
• Rare Opportunity

Petone Engineering is entering an exciting phase of growth — and we’re searching for a strong leader to run the day to day operations of the business. This is an exciting opportunity to join the leadership team and help to take the business to the next level. If you’re driven by operational excellence, financial performance, team culture, and continuous improvement, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact.

About the Role

In this Operations Manager role, you will lead Petone Engineering as a high‑performing structural steel business, driving efficiency, profitability, and a culture of accountability and engagement. You will work closely with the senior leadership and the wider team and to shape the future direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations across workshops, site, logistics, planning, and production.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on spec, and on budget.
• Own financial performance with strong margin, cost, and forecasting management.
• Assess risk, and support smart project selection.
• Partial P&L responsibility and ensure profitability targets are consistently met.
• Build a high-performing, resilient, and engaged team.
• Strengthen leadership capability and embed accountability.
• Oversee all H&S systems, registers, and compliance.
• Champion quality standards and continuous improvement (5S experience highly beneficial).
• Lead innovation and technology adoption, including AI tools.

Success Measures

• 90%+ hourly productivity.
• Achievement of annual net profit margin targets.
• Reduce defects to 0% for work arriving to site.
• Improved KPIs and operational reporting.

What You’ll Bring

• Structural steel or manufacturing leadership experience.
• Strong operational management capability.
• Strong understanding and experience within a fabrication environment.
• Understanding of contracts and project delivery.
• Experience with continuous improvement (5S a strong advantage).
• A strong leadership presence, resilient and accountable.
• Embraces technology and drives innovation.

Apply Now

If you’re a strong operational leader ready to take ownership, drive performance, and help lead Petone Engineering into its next chapter of growth, we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Katie France on 021 0815 9274

Or email: katie.f@stellarrecruitment.co.nz