Operations Manager

Role overview

Petone Engineering is at a key growth point and is looking for a confident leader to oversee the business’s day-to-day operations. This role offers a chance to join the leadership group and contribute directly to the company’s next stage of growth. It will suit someone who prioritises operational excellence, profitability, team culture, and ongoing improvement.

What the role involves

As the Operations Manager, you will steer Petone Engineering as a high-performing structural steel operation, with responsibility for improving efficiency, strengthening profitability, and building a workplace culture based on accountability and engagement. You will work closely with senior leaders and the broader team to influence the business’s direction.

Core duties

• Oversee daily operations across workshops, sites, logistics, planning, and production.
• Make sure projects are completed on schedule, meet specifications, and stay within budget.
• Manage financial performance, including margins, costs, and forecasting.
• Evaluate risk and help determine which projects should be pursued.
• Share responsibility for profit and loss and keep profitability goals on track.
• Develop a strong, resilient, and motivated team.
• Build leadership capability and reinforce accountability across the business.
• Manage health and safety systems, registers, and compliance requirements.
• Promote quality standards and continuous improvement; experience with 5S would be an advantage.
• Drive innovation and the adoption of technology, including AI tools.

Success measures

• Maintaining hourly productivity above 90%.
• Meeting annual net profit margin goals.
• Reducing defects to 0% for items arriving on site.
• Improving key performance indicators and operational reporting.

What you should bring

The ideal candidate will have leadership experience in structural steel or manufacturing, along with strong operational management skills. A solid understanding of contracts and project delivery is important, as is experience with continuous improvement methods such as 5S. You should bring a confident leadership presence, resilience, a strong sense of accountability, and a willingness to embrace new technology and innovation.

Location and additional information

• Lower Hutt location.
• Competitive salary with quarterly bonuses.
• This is described as a rare opportunity to join a business in growth mode.

Application contact

For a confidential conversation, contact Katie France on 027 501 9808 or email katie.f@stellarrecruitment.co.nz.