Operations Manager

Proud to be partnered exclusively with
AWMA Water Control Solutions
, an innovative Australian-owned company founded in 2000 that has grown to become one of the country's leading specialists in water control infrastructure.

Based in
Cohuna, Regional Victoria
, AWMA designs, manufactures, and installs high-quality, custom-engineered solutions including water gates, penstocks, stoplogs, bulkheads, flood barriers, automated debris screens, fish protection screens, flap gates, LayFlats, stopboards, and intake screens, - all crafted to meet the unique demands of each project.

With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and reliability, AWMA's products play a crucial role in supporting Australia's vital industries, from irrigation and flood mitigation to environmental water management and beyond.

As an award-winning business with a national and growing international footprint, AWMA is committed to excellence, delivering purpose-driven solutions that protect communities, enhance environmental outcomes, and drive long-term impact. I am seeking a proven operational leader ready to drive strategic growth and take the reins of day-to-day operations as
Operations Manager.

This is your chance to join a dynamic, values-led organisation where your work directly contributes to building resilient infrastructure that safeguards water resources, supports agriculture, and combats climate challenges - making a real difference in the lives of Australians.

About the Role:
As the Operations Manager, you will report directly to the Managing Director and play a pivotal role in delivering the organisation's long-term strategic goals through best-in-class operational execution. Leading cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, and production, you will ensure that people, systems, and processes are fully aligned for efficient, safe, and profitable delivery of projects and products.

This is a hands-on leadership role that blends high-level strategic thinking with operational rigour and team development. You will be based at the company's regional head office and manufacturing facility in Regional Victoria - a role ideal for someone seeking meaningful work and a real connection with their team, product, and community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day operational functions with a focus on planning, execution, safety, and continuous improvement
• Translate business strategy into efficient, scalable operational plans
• Drive performance, cost control, and on-time delivery across jobs and projects
• Embed a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance
• Coach, mentor, and grow capability within operational teams
• Lead operational readiness for business growth and innovation
• Identify and mitigate risks across operations, quality, and compliance
• Foster systems development, reporting, and use of integrated management systems

About You

• Proven experience (7+ years) in senior operational leadership roles in
  manufacturing, engineering, or project-based environments - experience in custom design to manufacturing highly regarded.
• Strong commercial acumen, with a clear understanding of cost control, P&L metrics, and job profitability
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated success leading operational transformation and systemisation
• Strategic mindset with hands-on execution skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• High-level understanding of safety, compliance, and quality assurance practices
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related fields

Why Join?

• Be part of an Australian manufacturing success story with a growing national and international footprint
• Play a key executive leadership role that shapes the future of the business
• Work with a supportive, values-led leadership team committed to excellence and people development
• Make a tangible difference through infrastructure projects that serve critical environmental and community needs
• Enjoy life in regional Victoria—a lifestyle move with purpose and impact

Ready to step into a strategic leadership role with real impact?

Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability. All applications will be handled with strict confidence.

For a confidential discussion about this role, please feel free to contact
Claire Palacio
on /