General Manager

We're excited to be partnering exclusively with a key client - who are now looking for an experienced General Manager to lead the Australian operations of a globally recognised industrial manufacturer. Reporting directly to the Regional Managing Director, this role will be responsible for driving operational performance, capability development and business growth across a well-established and respected organisation.

The Business

Our client is a privately owned global manufacturer of industrial products serving customers across a diverse range of sectors including mining, infrastructure, water, energy, manufacturing and process industries.

With operations spanning multiple continents, thousands of employees worldwide and a network of manufacturing facilities and service locations, the organisation has established a strong reputation for engineering excellence, innovation and customer service. Supported by substantial global resources and a long-term growth strategy, the business continues to invest in people, technology and operational capability.

Strategic Context

As the business continues to evolve, there is a strong focus on strengthening operational capability, enhancing customer delivery performance and building organisational capacity to support future growth.

The General Manager will play a critical leadership role in driving operational excellence across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain and commercial operations functions. Working closely alongside local and regional leadership teams, the successful candidate will help shape business strategy, develop future capability and create an environment that supports sustainable growth, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

The role also presents a longer-term succession opportunity, with potential scope to expand leadership responsibilities as the business continues to grow.

The Role

The General Manager is responsible for the leadership and performance of the Australian operations function, including Manufacturing, Engineering and Commercial Operations.

This is a highly visible, site-based leadership role, requiring an engaging and hands-on leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational execution. The role is a significant contributor to overall business performance and profitability and operates in close partnership with the commercial leadership team. The position is based in the South East suburbs and requires an onsite presence.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing leadership team across operations and support functions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety and continuous improvement.
• Drive workforce engagement, succession planning and organisational capability development.
• Champion company values and leadership behaviours across the organisation.

Operations & Supply Chain

• Lead manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, inventory management and customer fulfilment activities.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on productivity, DIFOT, inventory optimisation and cost control.
• Ensure alignment between operational resources and customer requirements.
• Champion Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

Commercial & Business Performance

• Partner closely with commercial leaders to support customer outcomes and growth objectives.
• Contribute to business planning, budgeting and performance management processes.
• Monitor operational and financial performance metrics and implement improvement initiatives where required.
• Support capital investment decisions and operational capability expansion initiatives.

Strategic Growth

• Execute strategic initiatives that strengthen operational resilience and organisational capability.
• Lead projects that improve efficiency, scalability and customer service performance.
• Collaborate with regional and local stakeholders to support long-term business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, innovation and operational enhancement.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Drive a proactive safety-first culture across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems, regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives relating to safety, quality and operational effectiveness.
• Maintain robust governance and risk management practices.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an accomplished operational leader with experience within industrial manufacturing, engineering, technical products, distribution or project-based environments.

You will bring:

• Proven General Manager, Operations Director, Manufacturing Director or Business Unit leadership experience.
• Strong operational and supply chain expertise within industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success leading operational transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing high-performing teams and building organisational capability.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence broader business performance.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively alongside senior leaders across local and regional teams.
• A genuine commitment to safety, customer service and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Degree qualifications in Engineering, Business, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Experience operating within industrial, engineering, manufacturing or technical product sectors.
• Strong ERP, business systems and operational reporting capability.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex operational environments with a focus on people, process and performance.

Rarely does a role offer both immediate impact and long-term opportunity. This position provides significant visibility within the organisation, a defined succession pathway, and the potential to broaden leadership responsibility as the business continues its growth journey!