Production Manager

Overview

Production Manager (Textile Manufacturing) at Planet Protector Group, Altona North, Melbourne, Australia. Direct report to Head of Operational Excellence. Employment Type: Full-time. Start Date: Immediate (target September 2025).

About Planet Protector Group

Planet Protector Group is an Australian manufacturer accelerating Australia's transition within the circular economy by upcycling waste streams into high-value non-woven and felted products. Our facility in Altona North is a state-of-the-art textile operation focusing on turning textile waste into products for industries including building insulation, acoustic insulation, bedding, automotive, and packaging.

Position Description

Title: Production Manager (Textile Manufacturing)

Reports to: Head of Operational Excellence

Location: Altona North, Melbourne

Start Date: Immediate (target September 2025)

Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations at the Altona North textile manufacturing facility. The role ensures production runs safely, efficiently, and in alignment with quality and sustainability standards. The Production Manager will lead a multi-shift team, manage production schedules, troubleshoot equipment issues, and drive continuous improvement. This position involves close collaboration with the Quality team to ensure compliance and support ongoing process improvements. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, solutions-oriented leader with extensive textile manufacturing experience and a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Planning & Operational Excellence
   • Develop and manage daily and weekly production schedules to meet delivery timelines and customer requirements
   • Supervise the operation of all manufacturing equipment at the Altona North site, ensuring optimal performance
   • Monitor equipment performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements to reduce downtime and increase yield
   • Lead and coordinate effective shift handovers between teams
   • Oversee the implementation of standardized operating procedures across all shifts
   • Implement preventative maintenance programs and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity
   • Continuously improve operator standard work processes and efficiency
   • Ensure all operators maintain housekeeping standards to keep the facility organized and safe
   • Develop and embed a robust 5S program on the shop floor
2. Safety, Quality & Sustainability
   • Enforce a strong safety-first culture on the factory floor, including proper use of PPE and adherence to all hygiene and safety protocols
   • Ensure compliance with WHS regulations and standards (including ISO 45001), and the company's quality and environmental policies
   • Lead the conduct of Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), risk assessments, and contractor inductions
   • Identify and mitigate workplace hazards, implementing measures that reduce risk scores
   • Maintain adherence to quality standards and drive sustainability initiatives to reduce waste, energy usage, and emissions
   • Lead and manage a team of production operators and shift supervisors across a rotating 3-shift roster
   • Conduct toolbox talks, performance reviews, and training sessions to upskill staff and maintain open communication
   • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and results-driven team culture
   • Support workforce planning, including recruitment, succession planning, and staff development
   • Coach and mentor staff in lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and GMP principles
   • Oversee external contractors on site with proper safety and quality sign-offs
3. Process Control, Reporting & Metrics
   • Maintain accurate production records (batch logs, yield, downtime, waste data) for all shifts
   • Implement and analyze KPIs to track production output, efficiency, and quality
   • Prepare and submit weekly and monthly production performance reports
   • Perform root-cause analysis and lead corrective action plans for production issues or quality deviations
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   • Work with Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Planning to manage raw material flow, inventory, and stock levels
   • Coordinate with the Quality Manager and team on inspections, audits, and compliance
   • Collaborate with R&D and Product Development on new fiber blends and product optimization
   • Assist in annual budget preparation and management for the production department
   • Lead cost-saving, efficiency, and waste-reduction initiatives
   • Monitor labor, material, and utility usage to identify cost-improvement opportunities
   • Recommend operational improvements to enhance productivity and profitability

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in a production leadership role within textile or nonwoven manufacturing
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of nonwoven production processes (e.g., needle-punching, thermal bonding) and related machinery
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment
• Safety & Quality: Knowledge of WHS standards (ISO and quality management systems; lean manufacturing principles
• Problem-Solving: Hands-on troubleshooting skills with equipment maintenance and process improvement
• Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in manufacturing, engineering, operations or related discipline (trade certification or tertiary degree)
• Communication: Excellent English communication skills
• Computer Skills: Proficient with MS Office; ability to learn ERP/production software
• Educational: Bachelor's degree in chemical, process, industrial, or mechanical engineering (preferred
• Familiarity with ERP systems, inventory control, and digital production planning tools
• Experience with cross-functional projects involving R&D, product development, and/or supply chain optimization

Working Conditions

• Full-time role based on-site at the Altona North facility
• Rotating 3-shift roster (Day 7:00–15:00; Afternoon 15:00–23:00; Night 23:00–07:00)
• Regular presence on the factory floor across shifts
• Driver's license beneficial due to limited public transport access
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience
• Potential for career progression as Planet Protector Group grows
• Salary paid weekly via EFT
• Superannuation contributions at 12% of gross salary
• Full-time benefits including paid leave entitlements
• Six-month probationary period
• International Candidates: Employer-sponsored visa with pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia

Enquiries

Please email

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