Production / Manufacturing Manager

Position Title: Production / Manufacturing Manager Location: Pakenham, VIC 3810 Employment Type: Permanent, Full‑Time Working Hours: Monday to Friday Introduction to MFI Automotive Group MFI Automotive Group is a prominent Australian leader in automotive solutions, specialising in both manufacturing and aftermarket services. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality service and innovative automotive solutions. Position Summary The Manufacturing / Production Manager oversees all workshop production activities across both sites, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality operations. The role is responsible for production planning, workflow coordination, resource allocation, manufacturing efficiency, quality alignment, and continuous improvement of workshop processes. This position provides leadership to the Workshop Controller and Team Leads, ensuring that production targets are met, standards are consistently upheld, and staff are supported to perform at their best. The Production Manager is critical in driving discipline, stability and performance across all operational areas including fabrication, cutting, welding, painting, preparation and fitting. Key Responsibilities Manage daily manufacturing output across laser cutting, CNC, welding, fabrication, paint preparation, painting and fitment areas. Oversee Workshop Controller to ensure workflow is coordinated smoothly and aligned with production priorities. Maintain visibility of all builds to ensure schedules, quality requirements and customer delivery commitments are met. Monitor production data and resource utilisation to optimise throughput and minimise downtime. Drive efficiency improvements across all production streams. Ensure safety, quality and operational expectations are clearly communicated to all teams. Production Planning & Workflow Management Develop and execute weekly and daily production plans in alignment with business demand. Coordinate cross‑department handovers between Stores, Engineering, QA and the Workshop. Identify production risks early and implement corrective measures to avoid delays. Maintain strong communication with the COO regarding bottlenecks, constraints and performance issues. Review job progress, material flow and labour allocation to maintain steady workshop output. Ensure tools, equipment and workspaces are organised, maintained and used correctly. People Leadership & Capability Development Lead and support the Workshop Controller and Team Leads to ensure consistent supervision across all trade areas. Provide coaching, guidance and development pathways for staff at all levels. Reinforce MFI’s performance expectations, behaviours and work standards. Participate in recruitment decisions and onboarding of new manufacturing personnel. Support resolution of performance concerns by providing observations and recommendations to the COO and People & Culture team. Foster a safe, respectful and high‑performing culture within the production environment. Quality, Safety & Compliance Ensure production activities comply with WHS obligations, safe work procedures and site rules. Drive a proactive safety culture through visible leadership and engagement. Work with Quality Assurance to ensure all builds meet MFI’s standards and specifications. Support the implementation of quality improvements, corrective actions and process controls. Ensure accurate job documentation, production records and reporting are maintained. Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency Analyse workflow and production data to identify opportunities for efficiency gains. Recommend and implement improvements to methods, layouts, sequencing, tools and equipment. Collaborate with Engineering to validate manufacturability of new designs and assist with feedback loops. Support continuous improvement initiatives across all production areas. Ensure systems and processes are consistently applied across both sites. General Undertake other duties as assigned by the Executive Management Team. Participate in or contribute to projects or process improvement initiatives. Comply with all MFI Policies and Procedures. Skills & Qualifications Extensive experience in manufacturing, production management or workshop leadership. Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing, fabrication, welding, paint and/or mechanical installation. Proven ability to manage people, coordinate workflows and optimise production output. Strong communication, organisational and problem‑solving capability. Ability to interpret drawings, schedules and technical specifications. Trade qualification or engineering/manufacturing background preferred but not essential. Experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams across a workshop environment. Experience with Just‑in‑Time (JIT) or Lean Manufacturing principles. Experience contributing to ERP system improvements or process automation initiatives. Key Personal Attributes Steady, structured and confident leader. Strong communicator with a practical, solutions‑focused approach. Able to set expectations and hold people accountable. Calm and organised under pressure with strong planning capability. High level of safety awareness and consistent leadership behaviours. Commitment to quality, efficiency and continuous improvement. #J-18808-Ljbffr