Production Manager - Cairns

About the Opportunity

In Cairns, this position leads shipyard production so vessels are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the expected quality level. The role combines team leadership, resource coordination, and operational improvement to keep production aligned with project demands, workforce capability, and customer needs.

About the Company

The employer is Australia’s international shipbuilder, a prime contractor in defence, and a maritime technology partner. It designs, builds, and supports defence and commercial vessels for major operators across Australia, the USA, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The in-service support function handles everything from routine servicing and preventive maintenance to complex overhauls, covering the full life cycle of a vessel. Original design knowledge is paired with operational insight so maintenance work is efficient and aligned with customer expectations.

With a long shipbuilding background and a global supply chain, the organisation helps fleets stay mission-ready and operating at peak capability throughout their service life.

This opportunity contributes to work of national importance in the maritime sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide, coach, and develop production teams to deliver vessels safely and efficiently.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute production work in line with project timelines.
• Promote a strong safety mindset through active leadership, risk control, and adherence to shipyard standards.
• Oversee labour, subcontractors, materials, and equipment to maximise output.
• Track project performance, flag risks, and put recovery measures in place when needed.
• Partner with Project Management, Planning, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to maintain consistent project information.
• Look for ways to improve processes, streamline operations, and lift production performance.
• Prepare clear reports and escalate production status, constraints, and improvement opportunities to senior leaders.

Requirements

• Diploma in Project Management, or equivalent production/project management experience.
• Strong analytical and decision-making ability, with confidence handling operational issues in a busy environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, plus solid stakeholder management capability.
• Comfort using computer systems for production, scheduling, ERP, or project management.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams toward safety, quality, cost, and schedule goals.
• Experience managing production in a shipyard, marine, heavy industry, manufacturing, or similar setting.
• Ability to work with schedules, work packs, drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety, including hazard spotting, risk control, and safety leadership.
• Experience handling resources such as labour, subcontractors, materials, equipment, and production constraints.
• Must be eligible for a Defence Security Clearance and a Defence Common Access Card (DCAC).
• Trade qualification or technical background in marine, engineering, fabrication, or mechanical areas is desirable.
• Experience on defence, commercial vessel, or complex marine projects is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and fast-moving workplace.
• Career growth prospects within an expanding organisation.

Additional Information

The organisation is committed to a safe and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all backgrounds, all age groups, all sexual orientations, and people with disability. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.

The company also highlights its commitment to diversity as a way to strengthen its operations.