Production Manager (Textile Manufacturing)

Position Description: Production Manager (Textile Manufacturing)
Location: Altona North, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Employment Type: Full-time Reports to: Head of Operational Excellence Start Date: Immediate (target September 2025)
About Planet Protector Group Planet Protector Group is an Australian manufacturer accelerating Australia’s transition within the circular economy by upcycling waste streams into high-value non-woven and felted products.
Our purpose-built textile facility is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and is being used to transform waste materials such as denim, wool, polyester, hemp, and jute into products used across a wide range of industries including building insulation, acoustic insulation, bedding, automotive, and packaging.
Planet Protector has recently commissioned this ‘state-of-the-art’ advanced fibre processing facility in Altona North, Melbourne, positioning us as a leader and cornerstone of circular textile manufacturing in Australia.
Summary The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations at our advanced textile manufacturing facility in Altona North. The role ensures that production runs safely, efficiently, and in alignment with quality and sustainability standards. The Production Manager will lead a multi-shift team, manage production schedules, troubleshoot equipment issues, and drive continuous improvement. This position also involves close collaboration with the Quality team to ensure compliance and support ongoing process improvements. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, solutions-oriented leader with extensive textile manufacturing experience and a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Operational Excellence • Develop and manage daily and weekly production schedules to meet delivery timelines and customer requirements • Supervise the operation of all manufacturing equipment at the Altona North site, ensuring optimal performance • Monitor equipment performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements to reduce downtime and increase yield • Lead and coordinate effective shift handovers between teams • Oversee the implementation of standardized operating procedures across all shifts • Implement preventative maintenance programs and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity • Continuously improve operator standard work processes and efficiency • Ensure all operators maintain housekeeping standards (e.g. via a housekeeping roster) to keep the facility organized and safe • Develop and embed a robust 5S program on the shop floor, fostering ownership and pride among operational staff
Safety, Quality & Sustainability • Enforce a strong safety-first culture on the factory floor, including proper use of PPE and adherence to all hygiene and safety protocols • Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety (WHS) regulations and standards (including ISO 45001), as well as the company’s quality and environmental policies • Lead the conduct of Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), risk assessments, and contractor induction for all production activities • Identify and mitigate workplace hazards, implementing measures that reduce risk scores and improve overall safety outcomes • Maintain strict adherence to corporate quality standards and drive sustainability initiatives to reduce waste, energy usage, and emissions in the production process
Team Leadership & Development • Lead and manage a team of production operators and shift supervisors across a rotating 3-shift roster • Conduct regular toolbox talks, performance reviews, and training sessions to continually upskill staff and maintain open communication • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and results-driven team culture aligned with Planet Protector Group’s mission and values • Support workforce planning efforts, including recruitment, succession planning, and staff career development • Coach and mentor team members in lean manufacturing techniques, root cause analysis, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles • Oversee external contractors on site, ensuring all work on equipment is properly approved and signed off for safety and quality compliance
Process Control, Reporting & Metrics • Maintain accurate production records (e.g. batch logs, yield reports, downtime logs, waste data) for all shifts • Implement and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to track production output, efficiency, and quality • Prepare and submit weekly and monthly production performance reports to senior leadership • Perform thorough root-cause analysis and lead corrective action plans when production issues or quality deviations occur
Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work closely with Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Planning teams to manage raw material flow, inventory, and stock levels effectively • Liaise closely with the Quality Manager and Quality team on inspections, audits, and compliance initiatives • Collaborate with the Quality team to support continuous process improvements and uphold product quality standards • Partner with the R&D and Product Development teams on new fiber blends, innovation trials, and product optimization projects
Financial Oversight & Cost Control • Assist in the preparation and management of the production department’s annual budget • Lead cost-saving, efficiency, and waste-reduction initiatives across all production activities • Monitor labor, material, and utility usage to identify opportunities for improved cost-efficiency • Recommend and implement operational improvements that enhance productivity and overall profitability of the manufacturing operation
Selection Criteria- Essential • Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience in a production leadership role within textile or nonwoven manufacturing • Technical Knowledge: Strong technical understanding of nonwoven production processes (e.g. needle-punching, thermal bonding) and related machinery • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment • Safety & Quality: Solid knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations (WHS) and standards (e.g. ISO 45001), along with familiarity with quality management systems and lean manufacturing principles • Problem-Solving: Proven troubleshooting skills and hands-on experience with equipment maintenance and process improvement • Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in manufacturing, engineering, operations or a related discipline (trade certification or tertiary degree) • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an outstanding command of the English language • Computer Skills: High level of computer literacy, including proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the ability to learn ERP/production software quickly
Desirable • A bachelor’s degree in chemical, process, industrial, or mechanical engineering (in addition to the above essential qualifications) • Familiarity with ERP systems, inventory control processes, and digital production planning tools • Exposure to cross-functional projects involving R&D, product development, and/or supply chain optimization in a manufacturing context
Working Conditions • Full-time role based on-site at the Altona North manufacturing facility • Work is performed on a rotating 3-shift roster (Day Shift: 7:00 am–3:00 pm; Afternoon Shift: 3:00 pm–11:00 pm; Night Shift: 11:00 pm–7:00 am) • Regular physical presence on the factory floor is required across various shifts to supervise operations and support the team • A valid driver’s license is beneficial, as public transport access to the facility is limited
Remuneration & Benefits • Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience • Potential for career progression as Planet Protector Group continues to grow and expand globally • Salary paid weekly via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) • Superannuation contributions at 12% of gross salary (above the standard statutory rate) • Full-time employment benefits, including paid annual leave, sick leave, and long-service leave entitlements • Six-month probationary period applies • International Candidates: Employer-sponsored work visa available for the right candidate, with a pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia
Enquiries Please email susanna@planetprotectorgroup.com