Manufacturing Operations Manager

Join Automac Engineering as a Manufacturing Operations Manager!

Are you an experienced operations leader with a sharp eye for systems, a data-driven mindset, and the people skills to bring a workshop team with you? Automac Engineering – a leading designer and manufacturer of special purpose machinery based in Pakuranga – has created a brand-new senior role at the heart of their business. If you thrive on building structure, driving continuous improvement, and making things run smoothly, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Directors, the Manufacturing Operations Manager is accountable for the end-to-end operational performance of Automac’s workshop, stores, spares/service, electricians, facilities, and HSEQ functions. This is a senior leadership role built to support the company’s growth – reducing reliance on the founders by creating consistent systems, predictable delivery, and a high-performing, engaged team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead daily and weekly operational rhythms – pre-start meetings, priorities, and constraint removal – to keep workshop flow moving and jobs delivered on time.
• Own and improve operational systems: job tracking, planning boards, timesheets, stores controls, service logs, and performance dashboards
• Analyse operational data and performance metrics to identify bottlenecks, drive improvements, and provide clear reporting to the Directors.
• Lead, coach, and develop your direct reports across workshop, stores, facilities and spares/service – building capability and a strong team culture.
• Partner with Engineering and Project Management teams on structured handovers, design reviews, and project retrospectives to embed lessons learned.
• Champion safety leadership, quality standards, and a “right-first-time” culture across all operational areas.

Skills & Experience Required

• 5+ years’ experience leading operations in a workshop or manufacturing environment, ideally project-based (engineering, fabrication, or machinery build).
• Systems-focused mindset: proven ability to build and embed operational systems (job tracking, KPI dashboards, stores controls, document management) that the team actually uses.
• Strong analytical capability – comfortable using data to monitor performance, identify trends, and implement targeted improvements.
• Exceptional communication and people leadership skills: builds culture and accountability, coaches performance, manages conflict constructively, and communicates with confidence at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and drive end-to-end workflow: prioritisation, constraint removal, time budgets, WIP control, and on-time delivery.
• Solid H&S knowledge, competent with Microsoft 365 and operational tools (e.g. Smartsheet, ETO or similar), and a relevant qualification in engineering, manufacturing, or operations management.

Desirable Skills

• Exposure to Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in a food industry, packaging, or special purpose machinery environment.
• Background in spares/service operations including scheduling, service logs, and field feedback loops.
• Formal leadership training with clear evidence of application in a practical setting.

Benefits of Working with Automac

• Competitive salary package.
• A newly created, high-impact senior leadership role – your chance to shape it from day one and report directly to the Directors.
• Modern, well-equipped workshop and office in Pakuranga.
• A company with very low staff turnover and strong tenure – people genuinely enjoy working here.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development in a company that invests in its people.

About Automac Engineering

Automac Engineering is a leading name in special purpose machinery and automation, renowned for innovative design and exceptional delivery. Since 2003 we’ve built a reputation for providing cutting-edge solutions to businesses across the food & beverage sectors. We are a company that values autonomy, creativity, safety and the pursuit of engineering excellence.

Go to www.automac.co.nz for more information about the cool stuff we do.

How to Apply

If you’re a results-driven operations leader ready to make a real impact and help shape the next chapter of a great New Zealand engineering business, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you’re the right fit for Automac Engineering. To find out more about this opportunity email [email protected] or call for a confidential conversation on 021 277 1973. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: Joyn has been engaged to work in partnership with Automac and will be managing the recruitment process on their behalf.