Operations Manager

Reporting to CEO, Operations Manager – Crane Services is responsible for the effective leadership and management of PortxGroup's Crane Services division. The role ensures all client contracts are adequately resourced, profitable, delivered safely and in line with agreed KPIs. This includes oversight of WHS compliance, technicians' performance, project costing, and key customer relationships, while driving continuous improvement and growth in the crane service division. Key Responsibilities Team Leadership Lead, support and mentor Supervisors, Leading Hands and technicians within the Crane Services division. Oversee workforce planning, training, performance management, and skills development. Build a positive team culture focused on safety, quality, accountability and customer service. Contract Management & Service Delivery Manage existing client contracts to ensure they are adequately resourced, profitable and KPIs are met. Coordinate with the Planner to ensure all contracted services are scheduled and performed efficiently. Monitor delivery, quality, uptime and cost performance across contracts and implement corrective actions where required. Ensure service reports, documentation and records are accurate and completed on time. WHS & Compliance Ensure WHS policies and procedures for Crane Services are current, implemented and aligned with relevant Australian WHS legislation and standards. Ensure all employees and contractors hold appropriate licences, tickets, inductions and competencies for the work they perform. Promote a proactive safety culture including hazard identification, risk assessment, incident reporting, investigations and corrective actions. Support regular toolbox talks, safety training and audits within the Crane Services team. Client Relationships & Stakeholder Communication Manage relationships with major clients and act as the primary operational contact for key accounts. Regularly meet with clients to review performance, address issues and identify opportunities for improvement. Liaise with subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams to ensure seamless delivery of crane services. Work closely with Leading Hands, Planner and Service Administration staff to ensure clear communication and coordination across all operational departments. Projects, Costing & Profitability Proactively identify additional project opportunities outside of existing contracts to grow crane service revenue. Ensure project costing, estimating and pricing are accurate, competitive and aligned with margin targets. Monitor job margins, labour utilisation, rework, and operational overheads, and recommend improvements to enhance profitability. Support the CEO in budgeting and forecasting for the Crane Services division as required. Continuous Improvement Review operational processes and drive initiatives to improve efficiency, safety, reliability and service quality. Support implementation and effective use of systems, tools and reporting (e.g. maintenance management systems, scheduling tools, KPI dashboards). Identify and share best practices across the wider PortxGroup business. About You Essential Proven experience in an operations, service or contracts management role within crane services, lifting equipment, heavy equipment, engineering services or a related industrial environment. Minimum 7+ years of operations, service or contracts management experience within crane services, lifting equipment, heavy equipment, engineering services or a related industrial environment is required. Minimum 3+ years of experience leading field service teams (technicians, trades, supervisors) is required. Strong understanding of WHS requirements in Australia and experience implementing safe systems of work. Experience managing customer contracts, KPIs and service-level agreements. Solid commercial and financial acumen, including job costing, margins, and basic P&L understanding. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain long-term client relationships. Well-developed organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines. Desirable Trade qualification or engineering background in mechanical, electrical or related discipline. Experience in crane maintenance, lifting equipment, ports, rail, terminal tractors or heavy industrial assets. Formal qualifications in WHS, frontline management or business/operations management. Experience with service management / maintenance management software. Behavioural Competencies Safety-focused: consistently prioritises safe work practices and challenges unsafe behaviour. Leadership: sets clear expectations, provides feedback and develops team capability. Customer-oriented: committed to understanding client needs and delivering reliable service. Accountable: takes ownership of outcomes and follows through on commitments.Continuous improvement mindset: seeks better ways of working and encourages innovation. Resilient and practical: able to manage pressure, resolve issues and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced operational environment. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr