Head of Production | Location - Flexible
| Category: | Trades, Operations and Manufacturing |
| Position Type: | Permanent - Full Time |
| Attachments: | No File Attached |
| Application Close Date: | 29-Sep-2025 |
Job description
At BAE Systems Australia
- Do interesting work that MATTERS
- GROW your career
- Be YOU
We work in a thriving sector – one that puts us at the forefront of exciting and meaningful work. Every day we push boundaries to produce some of the world's most innovative and ground breaking technology. Individually we all contribute to our success. Collectively we make the impossible possible.
Recognised for delivering projects of global and national significance that help keep Australia safe, it is our shared passion that shapes our culture, and our people that make it a great place to work.
About the OPPORTUNITY
We currently have an exciting leadership opportunity for a Head of Production to join our team. The location of this role is flexible, can be based either in Adelaide or Melbourne for the right talent.
We embrace flexible work arrangements at BAE Systems Australia, such as working a 9-day fortnight and hybrid working.
Reporting to the Engineering and Manufacturing Director, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring operational excellence across our manufacturing capability including strategic deployment of manufacturing expertise, development of capability for business growth whilst ensuring operational integrity and product excellence.
This also includes providing in depth subject matter expertise across the whole manufacturing lifecycle and providing critical support in resolving complex technical issues as they arise within Operational teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide manufacturing technical leadership and guidance to the operational business ensuring that we deliver manufacturing work that meets the design intent, that is safe, fit-for purpose and complies with all legal requirements
- Work collaboratively with the Engineering and Manufacturing function lead team to deliver the function's responsibilities and contribute to business outcomes through manufacturing policy, strategy development and execution
- Ensure both tactical and strategic demand for manufacturing technical capability (People, Tools and Process) is defined in a complete, effective and timely manner
- Build strong engaging relationships with key manufacturing customers and manufacturing community relationships to instil confidence in the company and its capabilities
- Ensure the integrity of manufacturing application throughout the business and the manufactured products delivered
- Be responsible for managing the governance and continuous improvement of key manufacturing processes including Manufacturing Delegations of Authority, Manufacturing Lifecycle Management (LCM), Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), Make vs Buy decisions, and regular Operational Reviews-ensuring these processes are effective, aligned, and strategically driven
About YOU
- Degree in relevant discipline in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or Project Management with Chartered Professional Engineer status being highly desirable
- Demonstrated senior leadership experience in manufacturing management preferably in defence or heavy engineering industry
- Experience working across the manufacturing and project lifecycle with an exposure to innovation, continuous improvements and managing change
- Highly developed negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to use multiple leadership styles to motivate performance and engage the workforce
- Well-developed self-management skills with an ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality to safeguard and protect sensitive information
- Critical thinker with strong analytical skills demonstrated through critical decision making and driving innovation for sustainable competitive advantage
We believe in hiring for potential, we know that some candidates hesitate if they don't tick all the boxes. If this role interests you, but you don't meet all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply.
About US
You will joining a workplace that truly cares about your wellbeing.
Our people are diverse and we value the variety of perspectives this brings, we know that a culture that is inclusive and fosters a sense of belonging is a place we can all make the most of our unique talents and be our best.
As Australia's largest defence company in a rapidly growing sector, you will be connected into a global team and encouraged to explore where your career might take you whether that is a traditional career path or squiggly one, there are infinite possibilities for you at BAE Systems Australia.
We welcome applicants from all people regardless of sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, pregnancy, age, or other lived experience; and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for all positions.
We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180.
As a member of the Circle Back Initiative we commit to respond to every applicant.
We recognise the value through experiences, backgrounds and expertise each individual and partnering organisation brings to achieve success as a team.
To learn more about our competitive employee benefits, flexibility, other employment opportunities and what to expect from our recruitment process please visit: www.baesystemscareers.com.au
Clearances
As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain appropriate clearances.
