Workshop Operations Manager

Location: Adelaide Airport, SA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary:$120,000 – $165,000 + Super (commensurate with experience)

About the Opportunity
We are partnering with a leading organisation to source an experienced Workshop Operations Manager in the Engine Shop of the organisation based at the airport to oversee and coordinate workshop operations within a highly regulated workshop environment. This full-time, Adelaide-based position plays a key role in planning, production, compliance, and team leadership. 

The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership experience from regulated sectors such as aviation, defence, mining, or heavy industry, with strong exposure to production, procurement, logistics and store support. You’ll be joining a high-performing team with excellent systems, structured workflows, and strong operational backing.

Key Responsibilities
▪ Oversee daily operations across the engine workshop including planning, test cell, nozzles, NDT and production teams.
▪ Lead and develop a team of up to 8 direct reports, ensuring output targets and quality standards are met.
▪ Manage the end-to-end process of work pack creation and control.
▪ Review engine logbooks and ensure accurate preparation of supporting documentation.
▪ Ensure stores is adequately stocked to support ongoing and scheduled engine builds.
▪ Liaise with internal parts repair and procurement teams to ensure component availability and alignment with timelines.
▪ Submit parts lists to the quoting team and support engineering documentation and reporting.
▪ Monitor and maintain ERP systems and data to ensure accurate workflow management.
▪ Work closely with senior stakeholders to meet monthly delivery goals and operational KPIs.
▪ Support the execution and ongoing performance of long-term customer contracts and internal compliance systems.

What You’ll Bring

Essential:
▪ Experience in a leadership or management role within a regulated industry such as aviation, defence, mining, energy, or manufacturing.
▪ Ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and maintain output and compliance standards.
▪ Strong organisational, planning and change management skills.
▪ Understanding of logistics and materials management practices.
▪ Proficient in documentation control, scheduling and workflow tracking.
▪ Eligible to obtain an Australian Defence Security Clearance and/or Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).
Desirable:
▪ 5+ years in a maintenance or workshop operations role within aviation, mechanical services, or similar fields.
▪ Familiarity with ERP systems and digital maintenance or inventory platforms.
▪ Experience working under contract performance conditions or delivering to program KPIs.
▪ Engineering qualification (Mechanical or similar) highly regarded.
▪ Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office and database systems.

Why This Role?
▪ Lead a critical workshop function in a well-respected and stable organisation.
▪ Competitive salary with long-term career prospects.
▪ Work in a structured, safety-conscious environment with strong internal systems.
▪ Opportunity suited to professionals from aviation, mining, defence, or other regulated sectors.

Interested?
If you’re ready to step into a leadership role where operational performance, compliance and people management are key, apply today or reach out for a confidential discussion.