Operations Manager

Role Overview

Alloy Bearings is looking for an Operations Manager to take charge of the day-to-day running of its workshop in Wellsford, Auckland. This is a practical, floor-based leadership role focused on keeping work flowing, getting orders out on schedule, meeting quality expectations, and controlling costs.

The position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and involves leading a team of 30 people, including 4 direct reports. You will act as the connection between senior leadership and the shop floor, helping the business operate safely, reliably, and profitably.

The company is experiencing strong growth and wants to reduce average refurbishment lead times. If you have a proven record of improving throughput in a jobbing-style manufacturing environment, this role is designed for you.

About Alloy Bearings

Alloy Bearings is a long-established, 4th-generation family-owned business known for dependable workmanship and quality. The company specialises in industrial whitemetal/babbitt bearings used in critical rotating equipment such as turbines, pumps, compressors, and gearboxes.

Its services cover condition assessment, failure analysis, refurbishment, manufacture, and upgrade work. The business supports essential operations for corporate and government customers across New Zealand and offshore, and it aims to become a recognised specialist in selected global markets. With plans to expand significantly into Australia and Southeast Asia, operations capability is a key part of that strategy.

What You Will Do

• Oversee daily activity across inspection, foundry, and machine shop teams.
• Build and maintain production schedules that improve flow, capacity use, and on-time delivery.
• Lead ongoing improvements in workflow, process efficiency, and cost management.
• Track and manage key production measures such as OTIF, productivity, rework, and margin per job.
• Make sure quality standards remain consistent, especially for precision and tolerance-critical parts.
• Monitor the upkeep and effective use of plant and equipment.
• Coach, develop, and support supervisors and leading hands.
• Work with sales and engineering teams so production aligns with customer expectations.
• Strengthen reporting, systems, and operational visibility.
• Maintain a strong culture of health and safety and ensure compliance is followed.

What You Need

• Proven background in operations or production management within a manufacturing setting.
• Experience in heavy engineering, machining, or industrial refurbishment is highly desirable.
• A solid grasp of jobbing environments with high variety and low volume.
• A commercial approach with an understanding of costing, margins, and efficiency.
• Clear evidence of improving systems, processes, and team performance.
• Confident leadership skills and the ability to create accountability and a strong team culture.
• A practical, hands-on style and comfort working directly on the workshop floor.
• Experience using ERP and MRP systems, along with production planning tools.
• Hands-on experience applying Lean, TOC, or Six Sigma methods in a jobbing environment.

Success Measures

• Better on-time delivery and fewer production bottlenecks.
• Higher workshop productivity and throughput.
• Stronger team capability and accountability.
• Reduced quality issues and less rework.

Desirable Experience

• Strong knowledge of job costing, quoting, and margin control.
• Experience improving or introducing ERP/MRP systems in a workshop environment.
• Ability to communicate directly with customers when needed.
• A track record of improving workshop output, delivery performance, or quality.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have a full driver’s licence and reliable transport. You will also need to be able to pass pre-employment drug screening and medical testing. Strong attention to detail and solid problem-solving ability are essential.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay package.
• The chance to join a stable, profitable New Zealand manufacturer with a strong reputation.
• Work that supports important industries and critical components.
• A genuine opportunity to influence operations and make a visible impact.
• Supportive ownership with a real interest in improvement.
• Training and career development in specialised bearing technology.
• An opportunity to help shape the operational foundation of a specialist manufacturer with a 40-year track record and ambitious growth plans.

Location

The role is based in Wellsford, Auckland, around 35 minutes north of Silverdale. The commute can suit people travelling from the North Shore, as the drive is against peak traffic in both directions.