Plant Manager - Joinery (Visa Sponsorship Available for Successful Candidates)

About Clayton's:This full-time position is based in Truganina, VIC, Australia. We welcome applications from international candidates, with employer-sponsored visa support available for successful applicants.At Clayton's, we design, manufacture, supply and install kitchens, stone benchtops, outdoor kitchens and wardrobes of the highest quality. With a state-of-the-art facility spanning 15,000 square meters and a dedicated team of professionals, we have been serving the Australian building and renovation industry since 1982. Manufacturing excellence remains our goal, and it is at the heart of what we do. Our solutions in joinery and stone benchtops are backed by prompt and reliable customer service nationally.In 2022 Claytons celebrated 40 years of success in business. It is a proud milestone for the company and we acknowledge all those who have worked hard over the years and contributed to our success. Position SummaryThe Plant Manager is responsible for the end-to-end operational performance of:

• Joinery Manufacturing
• Benchtop & Product Assembly
• Warehouse Operations

This role owns daily production execution, manufacturing flow, warehouse coordination, labour performance, quality outcomes, safety, and operational discipline across the facility.This is a hands-on operational leadership role, not an administrative position.The Plant Manager is expected to build a highly structured manufacturing environment that is:

• Stable
• Disciplined
• System-driven
• Performance-focused

The role is critical in transitioning the operation from reactive manufacturing into a controlled and scalable production environment aligned with business growth objectives. Key Responsibilities Manufacturing & Operational OwnershipOwn the operational performance across:

• Joinery Manufacturing
• Benchtop & Product Assembly
• Warehouse Operations

Ensure alignment between:

• Production output
• Warehouse readiness
• Scheduling priorities
• DIFOT targets

Drive accountability for:

• Throughput
• Productivity
• Labour efficiency
• Operational stability

Joinery Manufacturing Leadership

• Lead all joinery manufacturing activities across the production floor
• Ensure manufacturing output aligns with schedule and capacity plans
• Drive discipline and workflow consistency across all production areas
• Reduce disruptions, bottlenecks, and reactive manufacturing behaviour

Benchtop & Product Assembly LeadershipOwn the performance and development of the Benchtop & Product Assembly department, including:

• Benchtop assembly
• Product knock-up
• Laminating and postforming operations

Ensure the department operates as a highly skilled manufacturing area with strong capability in:

• Drawing interpretation
• Postforming
• Templating
• Assembly techniques
• Laminating and pressing
• Material preparation and cutting

Drive structured training and capability development across the team. Warehouse Operations OwnershipLead warehouse operations to ensure:

• Accurate inventory control
• Efficient product flow
• Organised dispatch readiness
• Timely staging of manufacturing and installation requirements

Own warehouse performance across:

• Pick / pack accuracy
• Storage discipline
• Product handling
• Load preparation
• Dispatch coordination
• Warehouse housekeeping and 5S standards

Ensure warehouse operations support manufacturing flow, DIFOT, and site requirements. Floor Leadership & Accountability

• Lead supervisors, team leaders, and operators across all operational areas
• Establish strong floor presence and visible leadership
• Drive accountability, attendance, discipline, and performance standards
• Build a culture of ownership and operational responsibility

Ensure clear expectations and performance management across all departments. Production Planning & Execution AlignmentWork closely with:

• Production Control
• Scheduling
• Manufacturing Planning
• Procurement

Ensure manufacturing and warehouse operations execute according to agreed schedules and priorities.Escalate risks early relating to:

• Labour
• Capacity
• Materials
• Machine constraints

Reduce last-minute changes and production instability. Quality & Manufacturing StandardsOwn quality performance across all departments.Drive:

• Reduction in rework and remakes
• Manufacturing accuracy
• Product consistency
• Adherence to SOPs and standards

Implement:

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Corrective Actions (CAR)
• Structured quality accountability

Systems, Structure & Process DisciplineDrive system-based operations across manufacturing and warehouse functions.Ensure:

• SOP compliance
• Process discipline
• Data accuracy
• Structured workflow controls

Work closely with:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• IT
• Maintenance

Maintenance & Equipment Care Coordination

• Own the Maintenance Department to ensure machinery, tooling, and equipment remain safe, reliable, and operational.
• Ensure operators perform required daily equipment checks, cleaning, and basic preventive care within the department.
• Identify and escalate machinery faults, performance concerns, or safety risks promptly through the approved maintenance reporting process.

Support Maintenance with:

• Breakdown response prioritisation
• Access to machinery and work areas
• Root cause investigations
• Equipment testing following repairs

Work collaboratively with Maintenance and Manufacturing Engineering to improve:

• Equipment uptime
• Reliability
• Operational stability
• Preventive maintenance compliance

Promote operator ownership of equipment condition and housekeeping standards within the department. Workforce Management & Capability Development

• Align labour resources with operational demand
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning
• Drive cross-training and multi-skilling across departments
• Develop supervisors and emerging leaders

Build operational depth and reduce reliance on key individuals. Safety & Compliance (OHS)

• Ensure full compliance with OHS requirements
• Promote strong safety culture and safe work practices
• Maintain audit-ready operational environment
• Ensure all incidents are reported, investigated, and resolved appropriately

Drive strong 5S standards across all operational areas. Continuous ImprovementDrive continuous improvement initiatives focused on:

• Productivity
• Workflow
• Quality
• Labour efficiency
• Waste reduction
• Manufacturing stability

Implement lean manufacturing principles and structured operational reviews. Communication & ReportingProvide structured reporting on:

• Output vs plan
• DIFOT performance
• Labour performance
• Operational risks and recovery plans
• Warehouse readiness
• Quality and rework trends

Key Focus Areas (First 3–6 Months)

• Stabilise manufacturing and warehouse performance
• Improve on-time manufacturing performance
• Build operational discipline and accountability
• Improve warehouse organisation and dispatch flow
• Reduce rework and manufacturing disruption
• Establish strong leadership routines across departments
• Improve labour productivity and operational visibility

KPIs & Performance Measures

• DIFOT ≥95% (aligned with Operations)
• Manufacturing on-time performance ≥95%
• Warehouse dispatch readiness ≥95%
• Reduction in rework, ADS, and remakes
• Labour productivity improvement
• Machine uptime improvement
• Inventory and pick accuracy
• Zero major safety breaches
• Departmental 5S compliance

Skills & Experience Required

• 8–10+ years in manufacturing leadership roles
• Proven experience managing production operations in manufacturing environments
• Joinery manufacturing experience is MUST
• Strong background in:
• Joinery manufacturing
• Benchtop manufacturing
• Warehouse operations
• Experience leading large operational teams
• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, workflow, and process control
• Experience with CNC and automated manufacturing environments highly desirable

Key Competencies Operational LeadershipStrong ability to lead from the floor and drive operational performance Accountability & DisciplineBuilds structured and accountable operational environments Systems ThinkingFocuses on scalable, repeatable, system-driven manufacturing Problem SolvingQuickly identifies operational issues and implements practical solutions CommunicationClear and direct communicator across all operational levels Continuous Improvement MindsetCommitted to improving workflow, productivity, quality, and culture Success in This Role Will Be Evident By

• Stable and predictable manufacturing performance
• Structured and organised warehouse operations
• Reduced operational firefighting
• Improved DIFOT and production flow
• Strong floor leadership and accountability
• Improved productivity, quality, and operational discipline
• Manufacturing and warehouse operations becoming system-driven rather than person-dependent.

Job Type: Full-timePay: 85.068,00€ - 97.220,00€ per yearApplication Question(s):

• Have you completed a qualification in operations management?
• Are you familiar with the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) standards?
• Do you have experience working in a continuous production environment?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• Do you have joinery manufacturing experience?
• Are you happy to relocate?

Work Location: In person